001Nope. Test. Good evening. Welcome to our board meeting. The board just returned from closed session and no action was taken. I will call the meeting to order at 7:05. Yeah, we are ready. Okay, roll call. Dr. Finley. Present. Mrs. Holguin. Here. Dr. Hassell. Here. Tom Reyes. Here. Alexis. Present. And Reina Diaz, present. I will now now ask um Dr. No, Rosa Holguin for the flag salute. Can I get everyone please stand? Place your hand over your heart. Ready, begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Please remain standing for a moment of reflection. Thank you. Please be seated. I will I would like to ask Dr. Hassell if please you can
002lead us in the belief, vision, and mission. Surely, our beliefs. We believe we are community of learners. We believe learning occurs in a culture of caring and respect. We believe all students are motivated to learn when they are engaged in meaningful work that connects to their lives. We believe expectations do influence performances and outcomes. We believe learning increases when there are high expectations for performance and conduct. We believe we have the responsibility to find solutions that enable all students to learn. Our vision, 21st century schools producing 21st century students. Our mission, provide the knowledge, skills, and inspiration for each student for success in college, career, and life. Thank you, Dr. Hassell. Before we move to the adoption of the agenda, I just want to remind the community the Spanish community who need translation, we have
003our dear friend up there that she will translate. We now move to the adoption of the agenda. May I have a motion? So moved. Motion moved by Mr. Reyes, second by Mrs. Holguin. Any discussion? All Okay. Um All in favor? Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Now, any opposed? Thank you. The agenda has been adopted. Okay, we now move to item eight, Dr. Medrano. Thank you so much. We have the pleasure this evening of hearing a spotlight on our school, um Mount Olive Innovation and Technology High School. I'm going to turn it over to Principal Kevin Anthony Morris, also the director of college and career and community service. Thank you. [applause] Thank you, Mr. Morris. Thank you. Can everybody hear me okay? You used my middle name and usually that I'm in trouble when you use Kevin
004Anthony Morris. Um good evening, everyone. Uh thank you, board, uh our district leadership, and Dr. Medrano for this opportunity to present, you know, the spotlight on Mount Olive Innovation and Technology High School. So, I guess we all roll with the slides here. Oh, here we go. All right, there we go. I got the controls. Uh first off, I want to I know I can't introduce everybody, but I would like the staff to please stand up that's here tonight um that we uh want to celebrate. >> [applause] >> Uh they have done an amazing job year in and year year out and there's so much innovation going on and technology going on on campus um and it transfers down to our students and I just want to thank them for all the hard work that they
005do. Um also, we have some of our parents, our super super supportive parents. Will you guys please stand up as well? >> [applause] >> Uh part of our school site council and just part of our school family in in general and they do an amazing job supporting the school. And last but not least, our amazing students from ambassadors and other areas of the school, you guys can stand up. >> [applause] >> And these students are from uh various academies that we have uh going on at Mount Olive, which I'll go through through the presentation. Um I would like to also they're not here this evening, but DeVry was a large part of our our our team as well. Uh they're on our campus and they provide a lot of the mental health support and also
006they have a pretty cool snack room, too, that our students enjoy, so. Um next up. Um kind of corny, but you guys if you watch Twilight Zone, you know, picture if you will schools empowering students to discover who they are by exploring their talents and building real skills. Uh so, graduation marks the beginning and not confusion. And that's what we provide for our students. We give them an opportunity to grow, find out what it is they like, find out what they're passionate about, and then they just take off from there. Um our core curriculum is our Cellus program that that we use I I know Dr. Medrano, you're familiar with the Cellus as well. We've had it for about nine years now and uh the flexibility of it is nice because our students can work
00724/7. It is not uncommon, which we make fun of Mr. Barelli because he's the nighttime teacher, him being online with students at 10:00 at night helping him with math or whatever assignment they're working on and uh it gives them that kind of flexibility to work when you wouldn't expect them to work, but they do work at night. Um let's see. Uh authentic engagement. I would say that is the the crux of what it is that we do. We put the students in situations and in different areas where where they're able to explore their talents and their ability to to work in a lot of different areas. Uh the main way we do that is through our cinematic arts uh pathway, uh film, animation, uh music production, and VFX and AI integration. Um we also have
008some of the other programs, which I'll go through in the presentation. Uh so starting with our cinematic arts uh academy, um our students are placed in authentic learning environments. And what I mean by that is professional authentic learning environments. Um a lot of these students here, good after- good evening, gentlemen. I was going to say good morning. Um participate in a lot of the the uh film festivals, where they're on set or they're Matter of fact, that's you guys on the on the end right there. Um where they were able to interview a lot of the Hollywood folks, whether they're directors or actors. Um they're placed in these in these situations where they have to step up, but they're they're uh trained very well through Creating Creators to know what questions to ask, how to
009approach someone on on the red carpet, um how to engage uh with uh a questioning. Um and then also we have a team of students that film and and and record everything and also do sound. So everybody kind of finds their place through this particular uh pathway. Um animation taught by Mr. Clayton. He does a lot of different things. He does makeup. He does just about everything. Uh Mr. Clayton uh has been doing the animation for some time now, and he's also our science teacher, but he enjoys that aspect of teaching that component, and we integrate that program into um our uh cinematic arts uh program as well, too. Um our VFX and AI integration, we have quite a few students that are here. Uh yes, we have started the AI pathway about 4 or
0105 years ago. Um and now we're bringing it to our students. Um this is a class that we have on Fridays, where the students can integrate uh learning how to use uh AI and uh VFX into green screen integration for gaming, for movies, for all sorts of uh um technology that students are able to use. And uh we have a few of those students here tonight. I may have them come up and say a few words about the program. Um our music production, uh we are fortunate to have an amazing teacher in Ms. Garcia. She's not here this evening um due to a family uh uh issue, but um she is an amazing teacher and does a fantastic job with our students. And we have some amazing musicians as well. I would say professional musicians
011uh as well that uh enjoy the class, and we have, you know, drums and guitars and electric guitars and acoustic guitars and all sorts of instruments, and you get a chance to on Friday come by and listen to our uh our uh fun Friday, where they get to play uh freely. Um our 3D printing, laser printing, robotics, and coding, uh again one of Mr. Clayton's uh favorite things to do is to build, and we have some students here that are learning how to solder, they're learning how to code, they're learning how to build uh robots and that can pick things up and move things, uh but the main thing is they're learning how to code, uh which is amazing, and that's a pathway or that's a that's a skill that's going to be needed, you
012know, over the next next five and five to 10 years. Uh Outward Bound Adventures, we've had Outward Bound Adventures since 20 uh 12. Uh it is a program where students get to explore uh environmental sciences and wildlife careers. Uh it is a free program. Our students uh go on about four trips a year, all paid for, no cost to the students, no cost to the parents. It's paid for through a grant through the federal government and also through the state, uh where they go on a one-day uh hike that goes from a one-day hike to a two-night overnight trip to a three-night overnight trip to a four-night overnight trip, and then in the summer they'll qualify for a 17-day trip, where they go and actually Mr. Cameron participated in that program this past summer, uh
013where they went all the way up to Oregon and then came all the way back down to California, and they got to camp outside, they did a service project, and I think you got a stipend as well, right? So you got a little money on top of it. So uh but it's a great program. We've had it for a long time. Um esports, uh we have the the famous Mr. Burley in our first year in in 2023, we actually took third place nationally in esports. And if you're not familiar with esports, I actually did a presentation at a conference a couple years ago, where I introduced that to a lot of other people. Um it is a career. Uh it is a trillion-dollar industry, and Los Angeles happens to be the place where a lot
014of the esports companies are here and they lay their head, and a lot of the jobs around coding, um creating uh gaming platforms, and so forth is is done right here in Los Angeles. So the skills that the students are learning, not only just playing, but they're also learning that this fits in a lot of different areas, and this class actually integrates into a lot of what we do with the film class itself. Uh cosmetology and barbering program, which we've had for about 6 years now, where our students uh work at Simply Divine not work at Simply Divine, but go to Simply Divine in the evening uh Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, and they are there um learning how to barber, learning how to do cosmetology, uh learning nails, learning uh aesthetician, but these are
015all the skills they learn. And just so a note, it's not just Mount Olive, but it's also Duarte High School students are also uh there as well. Um our college uh enrollment, uh we just had just a few days ago some of the students that are here uh were signing up for the Promise Program at Citrus College, uh and we have a few students that are already signed up to take classes at Citrus this semester, and that's kind of like a big push for a lot of us to get some students. We have some juniors, we have some seniors that are taking taking classes. Uh Johnny, Isaiah, who else uh who else Breanna. Thank you guys are all taking college classes. And a lot of that work, thank you, Ms. Rocha, cuz there's a lot
016of work they have to do to get signed up, and we walked them through that process. But they're excited about the opportunity to do that. Uh and ambassadors, these are our students that are here, most of them that are here, get engaged in, you know, we have uh picnics. That's an old friend uh they did for Día de los Muertos. Uh we do a lot of different activities on campus to get the students involved, you know, we have something coming up for uh Valentine's Day. We always they always set up some event for us to do during the during the school day. Uh PBIS, we are a PBIS gold school, actually. Um we have tons of giveaways and activities and electronics that we give away for the students that they get involved in. That's run
017by Ms. Rocha and Ms. Kim, and they do an amazing job. Uh the students can go on field trips, they get to go to lunch with me or breakfast with me, and uh that's always a highlight. Um I'll take them to wherever they want to go, and usually they pick the most expensive place, but um that's okay. You didn't think they would know about this. I'm like, "Hey, guys, what about, you know, In-N-Out?" "No." >> [laughter] >> Let's see. Um And then our Chill Thursdays, which a lot of you are familiar with. We have a lot of uh a guest that come in. Today we had Foothill uh Credit Union in talking about money 101. They did credit 101 last week. We have Outward Bound Adventures come in and do a presentation. Uh Job Corps,
018Byte the Reality, all these different programs come in every week. We have someone that comes in and speak to our students about college and career readiness. Uh ethnic studies, we started ethnic studies last year, and we were looking into creating a program uh around really expanding the program to to help our students really learn about themselves. Uh we are currently in talks with Cal State LA um to create a uh ethnic studies program ethnic studies in film with uh Cal State LA. Uh our students attend there for a film festival every year, and this is the large part of it, and and now that Ms. Ms. Rocha's done with her master's, I think now we're going to most push forward with having that, so students can get dual enrollment credit and also engage in a
019summer bridge program through Cal State LA. Disneyland workshops, this is our first year doing this program. Um we are the students get an opportunity to go behind the scenes at Disney and see, you know, what the workings are, what are the jobs, um how everything works throughout the day, and then at the end of the workshops, I think end at 1:00, they started like 8:00 or 9:00, they end at 1:00, then they get a chance to, of course, go to both parks and hang out all day. So that's always a big uh a big motivator for them. I think part of the motivation was if you guys showed up tonight, right? That was some of it. >> [laughter] >> Um so, that's we're taking about 15 students to that trip and and that should be
020pretty exciting. And then the DU I put DUSD summer internship ship program because we have students from Mount Olive and Duarte High School that participate in this program. Um that includes uh City of Hope, that includes Para ton, which is part of JPL. Um that includes Simply Divine, that includes all the businesses that we that we work with and partner with where the students get a summer internship uh of a 6 to 8 weeks and and then they also get a stipend at the end. I know a lot of you has been to the the graduation that they have in in uh September and it's a pretty big event and last year we held it this past year it was held at uh City of Hope. So, um these are some of the programs that
021the students are involved in. They do an amazing job and that is it and thank you. Um I'm putting this out there. I don't know if you want to hear from some of the students. If you want Sure. Okay. Um Who was raising it? It was Isaiah. >> [laughter] >> I think Isaiah said me. >> [applause] >> Just tell them what you want to tell. Tell them what you're trying to do. What you're doing? Cuz you're enrolled in school, so. Hello. Um My name's Isaiah Garcia and I'm a Mount Olive and at my school we um do a lot of like different stuff and we adapt to different types of um people's schedules and we like to do things differently and right now this school's helped me out a lot because I caught up on
022my credits and I'm currently enrolled in Citrus because of Ms. Rocha. She's been helping me and also all the teachers and staff there. And is I say it's better because it fit my schedule. Since I'm not like the other students, I mostly like I I don't know how to explain it. Like I'm not a fast worker or a good worker or a smart worker, but they work with me at my own pace and they stick with my like uh I don't know how to explain it, but I'm in a lot of Citrus. I mean, I'm in a program and I'm in Citrus and I'm doing better and I feel like Mount Olive has helped me a lot and there's no way to put it, but Mr. Morris has helped me a lot, Ms. Rocha, all
023the staff there, Ms. King and they have a good amazing math teacher, Ms. Lanica and I always go in to chat with them, especially Mr. Breli because he knows a lot and he's pretty smart and I just love the school. It's amazing and welcoming. That's all I got to say. >> [applause] >> Board members, do you have any other question? Any question for Mr. Morris? Any comment? I Oh, is there is another student? I do I do have a question or a comment when when we if there's If you'd like to hear from another student, it's fine. I I I would. Okay. Uh Volunteers? Johnny? Oh. The front. Oh, okay. Let's get Cameron and then Johnny. We'll get Cameron and then Johnny. >> [applause] >> Hello. All right. Um my name's Cameron and I go
024to Mount Olive and I was never like a big fan of school. Like I I despise going to school. Like I would I would I would never show up and um I got bad like that's how I ended up at Mount Olive and um uh like I I really enjoy going to school now. Like a lot of a lot of things programs like I'm involved in. I've never been involved in anything at any other school. And um it's really great. Can Can you tell us a little bit about your the the trip up to Oregon? Oh, that was that was fun. Yeah, that it was really fun. We we went to we did a couple days in Jenner like doing restoration work and stuff and um just like different activities during the day and then
025we ended up going to Jenner for like the end of the days and um that was really fun. We did like white water rafting and um we did like a couple college um tours and stuff and um we did a bunch of cool stuff. We got like Boba and stuff when we were in town and uh it is fun. >> [applause] >> I'm Johnny Torres. I'm a junior at Mount Olive. I'm also part of the ASB group. Um I really like Mount Olive. Um my freshman year I only had I ended off the year with five credits. The next year um they sent I I by choice wanted to go to Mount Olive cuz my brother had gone there. And now I'm ahead. I'm starting college classes and everyone has really helped me a lot.
026Mr. Lanica, he's a great math teacher. He's he's helped me even when I didn't want the help. >> [laughter] >> Mr. Breli has helped me. Ms. Rocha helped me signing up for college. And then Mr. Morris the talks the talks every talk he gives us is motivational. And then the office lady Ms. Anna too, she's very nice. And thank you for listening. >> [applause] [applause] >> Thank you. Um sure. Thank you. Um Cameron didn't say, but he's part of cosmetology. He has the day off tonight, so he came here. Um board members? Uh I don't have any questions. I just want to celebrate what you guys do at Mount Olive. It's a really incredible alternative opportunity for students. Um I know kind of sometimes there's this negative connotation of an alternative opportunity and you guys
027are anything but that and so it starts with, you know, credit recovery. Maybe kids who don't like school or think they don't like school till they get to MIT. And um and it's more than just that. The programming means you offer and just the testimonies of, you know, your kids tonight, being at your graduation last year. Like you are changing the trajectory of people's lives and um that's that's important and um just want to celebrate you all for that. And then thinking about the name uh you know, Mount Olive Innovation and Technology. Sometimes we put names on programs and places and it's just that, but you are living that and so just congratulations to all of you and congratulations Ms. Rocha on your master's degree. >> [applause] >> I know I I I got to
028plug Mr. Clayton. He's also doing his master's as well. >> All right. All right. Let us know when >> [laughter] >> Any other comment? I have a comment. Um I've had the opportunity to go to a few of the events with um Mr. Morris and Creating Creators and the student it is amazing. Um we went to Hollywood. We I mean, we've gone to different places and you know, they're working on the um the costumes on the makeup. I mean, behind the scenes just stuff that we don't other people don't realize what they're doing and anyways and I've also had um the opportunity to go to the campus a few times and it's they're busy. Um people think it's like, oh no, you just go there for a couple hours and it's amazing what you guys
029are doing and thank you and I appreciate it and I know the kids do. I I'm seeing it. Thank you. Thank you so much. Um just recently we were at um CSBA conference and we were able to see former students working with Creator Creators and it was amazing the work that they were doing there and it was great to see MIT sign in there and so we know that these programs are taking our students to the next level. So, thank you to all of you, your staff um it Anna, everyone in that school is part of that school and that school means the students and and I know how many lives you have changed at that school. And so I I am very proud to say congratulations because you deserve where you have take that
030school to the next level is amazing. So, thank you and um Mr. Anderson, hello. How are you? I know you're part of MIT. >> [laughter] >> So, thank you Mr. Morris. All right. Thank you. Yes, thank you. Anderson's already serving, so. >> [laughter] >> Thank you, Mr. Morris. Uh thank you. Thank you very much. >> I think that is a student that wanted to say something. Are you No, he was going to >> [snorts] >> You guys >> See, I knew. >> [laughter] >> Okay. Uh my name is Damien Castro and I wanted to come up because nobody really talked on creating creators. Uh well, I also want to talk about the school because before I came to Mount Olive, I had no sense of direction of what I wanted to pursue after school. And
031after I'd say two, three months of going there, I started finding like outlets through the teachers of what I could pursue and what I'm capable of. And uh I feel now that I have like a sense of direction with my life. Um thanks to the teachers, the staff, everyone there. Um extremely grateful for Mr. Barelli, Mr. Laniquette, Mr. Morris. I've known Mr. Morris since I was a little kid. He's always been a great role model, someone that I can talk to. He's just a great person and I'm very thankful for him. Um but I also want to talk about creating creators because through creating creators, I actually was uh awarded with a certificate from the mayor of Los Angeles for helping out with um interviews for uh I'm not sure what exactly it was for,
032but they were interviews and I was helping out um and I received an award for that. And I can also with that award, I can uh attend uh internships so I can further my career through film, which uh I'm actually going to do. But I feel none of that would be possible if I didn't enroll into creating creators and I'm thankful for that program and I'm thankful for the school. And yeah. Thank you for listening. >> [applause] >> Thank you. I Thank you for that amazing presentation. I would like to take a minute just to recognize that we have tonight here our mayor pro tem, Mr. Sam Kang. Thank you for being here tonight. >> [applause] >> Okay, Dr. Medrano? Oh, you want to say something? I'm sorry, Mr. Pinley. >> And it's okay. And
033it's okay. I >> I'm so sorry. >> It's it's not a problem. I I just want to to say just how how inspiring it is to hear from the students. I mean, Mr. Morris, you did an amazing job, but but the the students really drove it home. It's it's amazing. I mean, sometimes, you know, to to get uh students to come up and speak, it's a little bit like pulling teeth and it was like you had asked who wants $100 and everybody's hand went up. It was really amazing to see that. So, um you know, I I 100% agree um that that the work that you're doing, it's so inspiring to hear that that you know, these these young scholars have found a home in MIT. And um it's it's really wonderful to hear that
034um they're they they've got big plans for their future. Um and there's there's nothing more exciting as a youth to to have to be excited about the future. Um I think there there's uh a a little bit of a dearth of that in our world that, you know, that that young people don't have anything to look forward to, but that is not what I'm seeing with these students that spoke tonight. So, very, very exciting to to see that. Um I did I did I was just curious uh also just to wrap up here. Um do is is it possible for regular folks uh like us to go and get our haircut at Simply Divine? I don't have as much as I used to have, uh but but I I'm I would love to go and
035get my haircut there if that's possible. All right, so but I I I want someone from MIT to cut my hair. When So, when when are you there? >> We have several barbers, uh Rubio and Cameron. Uh oh, Johnny. Who else? Who else is cutting here? They got quite a few, but I think Wednesday night, if you go to uh Simply Divine, you can I don't all day, right? Is it all day on Wednesdays? Yeah. >> All right, so you So, when when's the evening >> got a coupon for you. Oh, hey, even better. >> better. Now, is that cuz I don't have very much hair? Is that why [laughter] there's a discount? Okay, I see how it is. All right, thank you. I will I will keep that in mind. Thank you. >> All
036right, I will drop it off. Okay. Okay, Dr. Medrano? Thank you so much, uh Mr. Morris and students. Great to hear from you. Thank you to the community from MIT for joining us. It's great to see you all here tonight. I'm going to transition. We have a recognition this evening. I'm very excited to recognize Royal Oaks. Uh Royal Oaks has been named a Yes, let's give them a round of applause. I'll give a little introduction. [applause] Yeah. Let me tell you a little bit about why they're here and then I'm going to ask um Principal Castillo to come up, say a couple words, and then we'll do a nice photo and we have some refreshments that everyone can enjoy. So, Royal Oaks has been named a California and National School to Watch and recognized as
037one of California's best middle schools by U.S. News and World Report. These honors reflect um strong student achievement and growth as well as a school culture where students feel connected, supported, and inspired to learn. During the validation process for the Schools to Watch visit, which was a couple weeks ago now, students spoke about belonging, um families highlighted meaningful partnerships, and classrooms demonstrated purposeful instruction. And it was really great to hear all the amazing things students had to say about their experience at Royal Oaks. This recognition represents the collective work of the dedicated staff, um engaged families, and our incredible students, of course. So, on behalf of the Board of Education and the Duarte Unified Community, congratulations to Royal Oaks. We are so proud of you. So, Principal Castillo, will you come up and say a
038couple words on behalf of your community? [applause] I think she wants you all to come up with her. I want as they're coming up, I want to let I know a couple of board members were able to be there that afternoon, but they I almost all of the middle school staff were there after school to hear the validation visit, which is amazing, you know, to see everyone there and they stayed beyond their work days, so that was great. Principal Castillo. Good evening, President Diaz, board members, Superintendent Medrano, colleagues, and community members. I just want to say thank you for recognizing um the work and the achievements that we've been able to reach. This recognition really reflects the work that we do every day. It reflects our students and the dedication of our teachers and our
039staff. Um it represents the partnership that we have and that we share with our families. At Royal Oaks, we're committed to creating a learning environment where students feel safe, supported, and challenged to do their best, whether it be academically or personally. We're proud of this moment and we see it as encouragement to continue the work ahead. Thank you for your support of our students, of our school, and of public education. >> [applause] >> If you wouldn't mind gathering your staff that are here with you, we want to take a picture with the Board of Education and we have a certificate to present in recognition. If it's okay with the board, I'd I'd love to bring my village. Yes, is that okay? Thank you. It's in the way. Can't move it either. Can I go all
040the way back? And you guys squeeze in. You got to go all the way back. Cuz she's got to get over this. Should I have you stand out here to get a look? Well, let me see. I'll tell you. Okay. Or have Kevin do it? Thank you. One more time. >> [applause] >> I would like to invite you to enjoy some refreshments. We're going to take a quick recess. Um, we have some refreshments over here and please enjoy and thank you so much for being here and joining us. >> [snorts] >> Okay, we are alive. We're back to our regular meeting. We now move to item number 10, report from student board member. Your turn, my dear. Hello, everyone. I hope you're all having a great night. As we return from break last week, our
041winter sports have began their league games, including boys and girls soccer, basketball, and wrestling. On Monday, our Citrus College dual enroll- dual enrollment students began their spring semester classes. Duarte High School students have the opportunity to enroll in various college courses, which is a great opportunity where students can earn college credit in advance while still in high school. Recently, our 11th grade English class created a campus-wide home survey gathering data from over 450 students to learn um and enhance the wellness of our student body. This morning, the senior class attended a very informative meeting with administration regarding all senior activities, um including graduation, prom, grad night, and all things to prepare them for what is to come at their last semester at DHS. You can support the class of 2026 by attending our fundraisers at
042The Habit on January 27th and Wingstop on February 5th. Tomorrow, our leadership students are hosting a MLK Day lunch event where students can share a dream or aspiration on our I Have a Dream wall. It is a small activity where we will be honoring the legacy of MLK. Next Friday, January 23rd, the boys and girls um basketball varsity basketball game will have a photographer for our school publications highlighting our new gym and student body with a special halftime performance from Duarte's cheerleading team. Our ASB class will be in- attending a leadership symposium providing our leaders with an opportunity to exchange ideas and network with peers and participate in a friendly competition with local high schools' ASB classes. On January 29th, leadership will will be collaborating with City of Hope for our second blood drive of
043the year. Um donating blood not only saves lives, but um you also get the opportunity to receive a Habit gift card and a t-shirt if you donate. Um to celebrate new lunar new year on February 17th, ASB will be hosting a lunch event offering traditional foods, games, decorations, and music with the fortune box um that is going to be filled with like special messages of encouragement for the year to come. As this is just the beginning of the semester, there are many opportunities and events for students to strive for this year at DHS, and we are excited for it all. Thank you. Please repeat the the dates for the fundraisers, please. Um the Habit fundraiser is on January 27th, and then the Wingstop um fundraiser will be on February 5th. Thank you. Any other question?
044No. Okay, thank you, my dear. Great report. Uh we now move to item number 11, superintendent report. Thank you, President Diaz. Um Before sharing an update on some of the goals that are emerging from my listening tour, I wanted to just take a brief moment to acknowledge our current labor discussions. Um as this is an important part of our broader work as a district. I appreciate um leadership of DUEA and their willingness to continue working with um myself collaboratively with district management. And while labor negotiations are a normal part of the process, both the district and DUEA share a commitment to reaching a settlement that helps ensure compensation that supports both recruitment and retention and um supportive working conditions and obviously professional growth for our employees. But while also being responsible for stewards of our
045public resources um and maintaining a long-term fiscal stability of our district. Um I know we remain focused on working together toward a resolution and maintaining stability for our students and families. That commitment to stability and partnership uh connects directly with the broader work underway across the district. So, um as I transition into discussing my listening tour um comments right now, you're going to see that there's a lot of connection to this collaboration that's happening, and this is really important part of our work. So, over the last, you know, several um now it's about 2 months uh with a couple breaks in there, I've been grateful for the many conversations I've been able to have with students um at our sites, staff, families, and of course community members across Duarte Unified. And from those conversations, some
046clear and consistent themes are emerging, and they're helping to shape um a focused set of goals that will I'll be bringing forward for the board to review um in the coming weeks. So, firstly, I want to share that I'm hearing a a strong uh desire to continue to offer a great instructional coherence throughout our district with clear expectations, um most up-to-date instructional materials, use of data, and strong um collaboration across our sites that support teachers and help all of our students succeed. Second, there seems to be a lot of enthusiasm for expanding and aligning our college and career um pathways and further expanding college and career readiness across the district. This includes um our CTE pathways, increased um access to advanced coursework, of course those dual enrollment opportunities through the early college um academy that
047we have, and meaningful career connected learning opportunities that prepare students for life beyond their high school graduation date. Uh another thing I'm a theme I'm noticing is that many in my conversations have emphasized the importance of student engagement and well-being. So, uh we heard a little bit about that today with the MIT presentation and the connectedness to our campuses, but um everyone feels uh that our schools are welcoming and should continue to provide that supportive environment, foster positive behavior systems, school counseling, mental health supports, and partnerships that help our students feel connected and ready to learn each day. And I'm also hearing how important clear and transparent communication is to our community, strong sense of customer service, consistent messaging, and opportunities for two-way dialogue that builds trust and shared understanding. And finally, the last theme
048I'm going to highlight tonight is that there is a shared recognition for the need to maintain to remain strong and stable as a district. Um that's by being thoughtful stewards of our resources, planning for facilities and enrollment needs, and supporting our workforce, and continuing to build leadership capacity throughout our district. So, taken together, these themes are guiding the development of a coherent set of goals, as I mentioned, that reflect our community's voice and our shared commitment to students. So, I look forward to bringing a refined draft of my goals to the board soon for discussion and alignment. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Medrano. We now move to item number 12, request to address the board. And we have a new timer that displays when 1 minute remains, and so, Dr. Medrano. First, we have Jessica
049Torres. And just a reminder, you have 3 minutes once the timer starts. Thank you. So, um actually Johnny's mom, and I graduated MIT last year with my older son, and I just want to highlight how important um not just Mr. Morris, but the staff was really supportive not just for my son, but for myself. And I just want to make it a mission of mine to really highlight that to every Duarte community member that I come across because I think it's such a great school with so many great programs that can that it has to offer to all students, you know, not just bad students. But I think um my biggest thing as a parent is to for them to feel the support from a parent. And it's really important to me to be there
050at the school site council meetings because, you know, I feel that's how I can support them and engage with with how successful their programs are. And um last year we also had um the first ever sports banquet and, you know, me and my best friend, we decorated for it and we made it possible with their help and I I want to continue that for the students because, you know, I believe that every student is capable of that going to Citrus College and beyond that. And I think it's really important and I just really wanted to highlight that um as a parent from my perspective with me having Johnny, now my second son, being at that school. And I think it's just such a great school that, you know, not a lot of people know the
051greatness that it carries. And I I trust me, I any person that knows me, I'm like, "Oh, my son goes to Mount Olive and he's graduated and he did great and they have this program and they have that program." And I just I just really want to highlight that and thank the staff as well because they're just amazing. And it's like a big family and it became like a big family to me. Something that I had never had previously. So, that's it. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Next, we have Gonzalo Lozano. Just as a reminder, you have 3 minutes. I'll make it short. Uh thank you, board, for having me. Um my name is Gonzalo Lozano. I am a proud graduate of Maxwell Elementary, Northview Intermediate School, and the Duarte High School back in 2010.
052So, the reason I'm here is because I want to express my gratitude um to the education and the support the district has given me and helped me in my path towards attending UC Berkeley. Um as a result of that, I've been able to successfully have a career in sales, and that's all of because of you because of the board and the investments the school board has done in again, the elementary school, the middle school, and the Duarte High School. And really what I'm here to do is to congrat- not only congratulate you, but also recognize the improvements that I've seen from a physical standpoint coming back, right? Um the the gymnasium. Maybe I would have had been a basketball player had that been something that was there when I was a student and and bypass
053UC Berkeley and that hard curriculum. I want to congratulate the board for that, for having that excellent um gymnasium. But I also want to also congratulate on behalf of my brother, Hassiel, who is also a graduate from MIT, Mount Olive, back in, I believe, I'm going to say 2012, 2013. And just the improvements that I've heard today, that this was something that I was not going to touch upon. I was going to touch upon the gymnasium, but um all the resources that MIT has now for the youth, I'm sure my brother would have enjoyed that as well. So, I love coming back, returning back to Duarte, and seeing the improvements that you've all done for the community. It really speaks to the fact that you guys are launching uh the students for success not only
054academically, but also on the field. So, that's all I wanted to talk to you guys about and commend you guys. Thank you. And go. >> you. And we have Heather Messner. You have 3 minutes. Good evening, Board of Education. My name is Heather Messner and I am a proud Royal Oaks teacher and former MIT teacher. Both amazing schools. Right? Currently Beardsley as well. Uh all of the schools in Duarte Unified are amazing. Teachers are amazing. Students and families are made as amazing. Administration, amazing. What is not amazing is our current labor struggle right now. So, let me touch upon that. Um as you have read and and have heard, uh we just finished our um a very important step in our um impasse process, which is a strike authorization vote. 100% of our members participated
055in that vote. 97% of our membership support going on a strike or a work stoppage if that is what has to happen. Um as always, DEA remains committed to working together with the board in settling our 2024-2025 contract. But this vote shows a clear message. It was this historic meeting and message from our members that we are more than willing to fight for what we feel is necessary to provide quality education to our students and to sustain that. We believe uh through fact-finding uh budgetary reports, that our current proposals are affordable and sustainable with the district's budget. The onus of maintaining the district's budget just cannot continue to fall on the backs on and the detriment of teachers and staff and students. We're the boots on the ground. We provide the students the quality education
056that you're hearing about. Um we just cannot continue to do this with teachers working multiple jobs to provide for themselves. And that's not an exaggeration. I have three jobs and I've had three jobs for like 15 years. I have a husband who is severely ill and I just had to drop him from our insurance because I cannot afford our district insurance. Our teachers are working two full-time jobs to to actually have insurance. That's absolutely insane. Um we have lost an average of 21 educators per year for the past 3 years. We've lost nine educators just this year so far for jobs in other districts where they're receiving better pay and better benefits. We still are ranking 45, tied at 45 out of 47 unified districts in Los Angeles when you consider the health and welfare
057benefit contribution. Currently, we are trying to improve our schools to be the most excellent schools out there. And you saw tonight from our our awards from Royal Oaks that we're getting there. We're making the improvements. But we just cannot continue to sustain all of that additional stress on us um with our financial burden. So, we we remain committed. We committed committed to talks, but um we're getting resolutions from districts across the valley that stand in united in a united front with us. Thank you, Ms. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> We now move to general functions. Um we move to approve the minutes of the special meeting, December 8th. I need a motion to approve. >> So moved. Second. Moved by Dr. Finley. Seconded by Dr. Hassou. Any discussion? Do we have someone that Tom?
058Tom, you were not here for that meeting, right? >> I'm going to abstain. Yeah. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Um There is any other discussion? So, I will call everyone. Just all of in favor and with the abstainer, Mr. Reyes. Thank you. Motion approved. Oh, I'm sorry. All in favor. Aye. >> [laughter] >> I just want to go fast. Okay. >> [laughter] >> Motion approved. And um we now move to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 11, 2025. >> moved. Moved uh moved by Mr. Reyes. Seconded by Rosa Hoguin. Any discussion? Any opposition? All in favor. Aye. Thank you. We now move to uh to approve the consent calendar. The next item of business is the adoption of the consent calendar. Does anyone want to remove any item
059for separate discussion or action? Since we don't have any objection, uh may I have a motion to approve the consent calendar? So moved. Second. Moved by Dr. Finley. Seconded by Rosa or Dr. Hassou. Thank you. Okay. All in favor. Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposition? Motion is carried. We now [snorts] may move to number four, first quarter of 2025-2026 fiscal year results of site visit review and uniform complaints data. Receive for for information the purpose of the first quarter. Construct item number five, construction and modernization project update January 2020 26 Something is going on with my microphone. Okay, he's got it. Thank you. Receive for information the construction and modernization project update. We now move to educational services. Did I Did I miss anything? No, thank you. Oh, okay. Thank you. >> [snorts] >> Um Now
060we move to educational services, consolidate application winter 2025-2026. May I have a motion? So moved. Second. >> [laughter] >> Dr. Finley and second by Rosa Holguin. Any discussion? Yes, Dr. Madrano, could you have that explained to the community what this is, what it's about, please? Yes, yes, uh Dr. Lawson's ready to explain. Um just could you take a moment to just share with the public what the purpose of the CONAP is. Thank you. All right. So, the consolidated application is um one that we have to complete to um verify how we're using our federal funds. And so, um it's conducted in the winter and the spring and we give an account for um our federal funding title one, two, three, and four. How come I how how come I see a private school in there?
061So, when the district receives um title one funds, we do have to set aside a certain amount of funds for private schools um that are in the area because we may have students that attend those private schools. And so, that is why those funds are reserved um for those schools. It's um they don't receive the funds, we do have to provide equitable services to student to the schools that um participate. And so, that's why you see that on the consolidated app, we have to reserve certain funds for those um private schools that may have students that um qualify for title one or students that um attend um live in the area. Oh, thank you. You're welcome. Any other question or comment? Okay, since we have a motion and second, all in favor? I. >> I.
062Motion approved. We now move to business and finances. And change in year 2026-2026 federal mileage rate. Receive for information purpose to change the federal mileage to rate of 72.5 cents per mile effective January 1st, 2026. Item number two in the business, contract with Christie White Incorporation to provide the annual audit of the measure E and measure S general obligation bonds financial financial statements. May I have a motion? So moved. Second. Moved by Mr. Reyes, uh second by Dr. Hassell. Any discussion? No? Okay, since none, all in favor? I. I. Motion approved. Okay, item number three, contract with Christie White Incorporation to provide the annual audit of the district financial statements. May I have a motion? So moved. Second. Moved by Rosa Holguin, second by Dr. Finley. Any discussion? Since none, all in favor? I. >>
063I. Thank you. We now move to non-agenda items by board members, student board member, and superintendent. Okay, I going to start with the student rep. Should I? Um I want to start off by saying um like my appreciation to this MIT students. Um it was really amazing um being a Duarte High School student and getting to learn about um and just see a different side of what you guys are learning and like having a different perspective on it because you guys probably know like the we don't really get to see what you guys are learning and then like people have different perspectives of like the students there. But I appreciate that I get to know and learn and see for myself that you guys are um expanding and you guys have amazing programs that honestly
064I wish Duarte High School had ourselves. Um so, it's great to see. And then also last week was the uh beginning league games in the basketball games and I just want to thank um the board's attendance cuz I did see some board members there. So, I think it was great to see you guys um support our school. Thank you. Thank you, my dear. Mr. Reyes. Yes, happy New Year, everybody. Uh boy, did that year go by fast. And I think this one is going to go by even faster. Cuz this week, I can't believe how quick it went by. It's amazing. So, we we've been very busy and uh I look forward to being busier. Um I don't know what happened about tomorrow, uh the site visit. Um uh Are we on vacation tomorrow? Is
065that why that was canceled? >> [laughter] >> No, we have a a staff member that is ill and won't be at work, so we are going to reschedule those. Uh the flu is going around and we just wanted to avoid others from getting it. Yeah, sorry about that. Thank you. >> Well, that's okay. That's a good reason. Yeah. Um and congratulations to Royal Oaks again. And also Mount Olive, thank you, you know, uh for being here and present presenting, Mr. Morris. You uh always have been doing a good work. Appreciate it. Thank you. Miss Holguin. Well, happy New Year actually to everybody. Um I just wanted to let um Mount Olive and um Royal Oaks um know how proud and impressed I am with them. I mean, I always have been and now it's I
066mean, it's you guys are showing it again and again and again and I appreciate it. Um I meant to ask um Dr. Madrano, where are we at on the construction? Sorry. You're going to steal my thunder. That's part of my Never mind. We'll wait. >> Save save I guess I'll go last on that, but yes, I I have an update on that. Anyways, um I'm glad to see everybody back. I hope um by the next meeting we've our labor negotiations are over with and um just everybody have a great evening. Thank you, Miss Holguin. Dr. Finley. Yes, thank you very much, Madam President. Uh it is uh very exciting every year when we roll over to uh a new fresh year ahead of us and I think that that that lends itself to a certain
067level of optimism and I can definitely feel that in the room. Uh the the the work that was demonstrated uh by Royal Oaks and by MIT. Um I I know that this is work that has been uh happening for years. This wasn't just something that just kind of happened overnight. This is uh work that took years and years and years to do and many uh probably uncounted and unnoticed hours of dedication from many people. So, I just want to um thank everyone that has contributed to those two schools and to all of our schools in our district. Um it's it is um always a a favorite thing of mine to do to tell people uh that, you know, that I went to Duarte schools K-12 and um I brought my family back here so that
068my kids could go to school here. And it's it is a wonderful place to raise a family and to be educated because uh great things do come out of Duarte. Um and it is it is wonderful to see uh that as, you know, exemplified here tonight. Um so, thank you for for all your hard work and everything that we do. Uh on um uh I guess a a little bit lighter note, I was I don't know if anyone um has seen this or has noticed this, but um there is actually a a bald eagle that is hanging out in Duarte these days. Um so, uh yeah, so if as you're you're looking around um and enjoying the the city of Duarte, um look up every once in a while because um I've I've seen it
069over by Beardsley, I've seen it flying around uh City of Hope, I've seen it by my house over by Valley View. Um so, so it's up there. Um and it's really kind of cool to see that cuz I've spent most of my life in the city of Duarte and I've never seen one here before. I've seen it up Azusa Canyon, but it's really kind of fun to see one here in the city of Duarte. So, keep your eyes peeled and um, maybe you'll spot him. Thanks. Thank you, Dr. Finley. Dr. Hassou. Thank you. Happy New Year everyone. And just um, again, congratulations to Royal Oaks. Um, it's so exciting to have our schools recognized at the state and national level. Um, congratulations again to MIT and all of the incredible things happening there. Um, and
070on that note, I wanted to give a shout out to uh, Mr. Mayor, the uh, assistant principal of Royal Oaks. I had a parent actually, I think she might have emailed all of us, but just wanted to, you know, it's not every day that people take time out of their busy days to um, highlight something positive. We hear the complaints all of the time and um, just think um, wanted to recognize him. So, uh, she said that he's been highly he's been professional, highly engaged, accessible, communicative, present at our events, friendly, and well-liked by all. Um, I always experience him as as sincere and genuine and that goes a long way. We are lucky to have him. So, I just wanted to make sure that the public um, got to hear that little shout out
071for him as well. And then real quick, um, last week I had the opportunity to visit Beardsley and Maxwell with Dr. Medrano. Um, one of my goals as a board member is to get into school sites this year during the the operations and you know, that's the the bread and butter, the heartbeat of what we're supporting up here on the dais. And so, um, both visits were incredible. It was amazing to see learning happening in action, happy kids, smart kids, um, inspired teachers, even in the throws of labor negotiations. Um, and so, I appreciate the opportunity and just want to thank both of those school sites again. And then um, I did go to the boys varsity basketball game last week. I just want to say how incredibly impressed I was by the talent on
072that court. I was blown away. I was um, I I watched a Laker game during break and and they were they played better than them. So, and just and and it wasn't like by chance. It was literally by design. And so, I don't recall the coach's name off the top of my head, but congratulations to um, him for leading the the boys on the court, too. All right, I think that's it. Thank you, Dr. Hassou. I echo the comments of every board member. I think that I believe that we have changed lives through education in our high school, but also at MIT. And and I have a I have approved of that because my oldest grandson that now he's 34, uh, he graduated from MIT. My niece that was under my wings for a long
073time graduated from MIT and they are they have a successful life. And I do believe that every single kid who attend MIT, if they do their efforts, they can reach the sky. No matter what way, where they go, but they can be successful successful as any student around the world. So, I'm very proud to all the work that you're doing. I also congratulate Royal Oaks for the achievement that they is not easy to get. So, I just want to share a little in in a more personal touch, I want to share that um, last year around November, my husband said to me, "No more Christmas event here in the house, but we are leaving to Mexico on the 18th and we're coming back to the 7th, January the 7th." I was so afraid to be
074away from my house for that time for that length of time. Probably I've been any part around the world that I have been no more than 10 days. But I want to tell you is that I learned that we are blessed here blessed here in the United States. I went to Zacatecas, I went to Guadalajara, I went to Aguascalientes, and I went to Colima. And we are very very blessed to live in this country. And no matter what we go through, this community, Duarte community, is blessed because all of us. We are the people. We are the one who are making possible to change kids lives. And when we travel out of this country, we can see what really hard is life for many kids that they don't even have access to education. So, for
075me once again, it has it was a huge lesson to appreciate more what we have in this country and especially on this community. And when I'm saying this community is the city of Duarte and the county area. It's the same people. It's the same community. And we are living a really good times right now in education. So, thank you to all of you who help us to appreciate appreciate what we are serving here in this district. With that, Dr. Medrano. Thank you so much. What a great evening. It was great to hear the amazing things happening at MIT and also highlight Royal Oaks. Um, I before we adjourn, um, of course, I want to provide a couple updates. >> [laughter] >> Um, we have a quite a bit going on, but first, um, there's a
076a lot of uh, concern or questions coming up about [clears throat] um, we do have to move um, MIT from its current uh, spot and we are working on that. Um, and it's great to hear all the amazing programs that we are going to continue offering even when we do have to move from the current space. So, um, our focus continues to be on of course, clear communication, thoughtful planning, and opportunities for meaningful input throughout the process. So, I would like to share an update that both Principal Haro and Principal Morris are working closely together to discuss logistics and next steps and really focus on ensuring that students and parent perspectives are included in the planning process as well as staff. So, district and site leaders continue to collaborate um, and we will provide ongoing
077updates. Right now, we're in some planning phases and gathering input and so, more to come. That's what I have on that. And then of course, Beardsley, construction has begun. Fences are up. Porta Potties are there. Um, offices are being um, constructed there for the construction staff. So, this is an important milestone. Um, and has been long coming. I know we've been anticipating this. So, that's where we are. The the um, steps have been taken. Um, Principal Romero is working closely with the um, construction um, management company to make sure everything is smooth um, cuz there's a lot of moving parts when we're doing construction on campus while school is in session, but it's on its way and that is a good place for us to be cuz that means that's one step closer to the
078end of that project. So, um, thank you and I look forward to our continued work together. That's all I have for the evening. Thank you, Dr. Medrano. I don't think that we are moving to close session or general session for action. So, we now move to item 19, adjournment. Adjourn Adjourn in memory of TK Carter, who is um, Mrs. Lois Gat Mrs. Lois Gaston's son, Katia and Jones, and Greg Kawasaki. So, I need a I need a motion to adjourn in their memories. So moved. Second. >> by Mr. Reyes, second by Dr. Finley. Any discussion? Any opposition? Motion is carried. Meeting adjourned. Aye. Aye. >> [laughter] >> I need a motion to adjourn the meeting, huh? That's it. You did it. Okay, thank you. Uh, good night.