001Welcome, Mr. Anderson. >> No. >> And finish the food. or at least take it home. >> 10 seconds. 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 >> All right. Good evening, Darty community. Uh we are here uh opening up the the session at 6:06 p.m. and uh we just finished a wonderful reception uh welcoming Dr. Madano to our district. So uh we'll go ahead and now see if there is any public comment. >> No public comment. All right, then we will go ahead and recess to close session and we'll be returning to this DAS uh at 7 p.m. for the open session. He'll sign he'll sign All right. Good evening, community. uh call this uh regular and organizational meeting of the Dart Unified School District Board of Education to order at 7:05 p.m. The
002board has just returned from close session and no action was taken. Going to go ahead and do a quick roll call. Uh board member Diaz >> present. >> Board member Finlay present. Board member Holgin >> here. >> Board member Hasso >> present. >> Board member Reyes >> here. and our student rep, Alexis, >> here. >> Thank you very much. Excellent. Uh, all right. And speaking of Alexis, Alexis, would you mind going ahead and leading us in our flag salute? >> Yes. >> Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. >> Ready? Begin. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you very much. All right, I'm going to go ahead and um
003do our beliefs, our vision, and our mission. So, we believe we are a 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 a responsibility to find solutions that enable all students to learn. Our vision is 21st century schools producing 21st century students. And finally, our mission is to provide the knowledge, skills, and inspiration for each student in success in college, career, and in life. All right, board. We'll go ahead and move on to the adoption of the agenda. Do I have a motion to approve the
004agenda? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Motion by board member Reyes, second by board member Hin, thank you very much. And as uh Vice President Diaz just looked at me and I knew exactly what she was looking at me about. So please vice me vice president. Spanish if anyone else if anyone need it. Leonard is in the back. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Uh all right. So we do have a motion and a second for the adoption of the agenda. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. I. >> All right. That passes 5. Uh all right. So Dr. Madrona, we are now moving on to um our recognitions. Thank you, President Finley. Um, I am so thrilled that this evening we're going to be recognizing some
005of our athletes, fall athletes from the high school, and I have Mr. Haro here. You could join us at the podium and lead us in the recognition. Thank you. >> Hello. Thank you for having me. Uh, it's my honor and pleasure to be here this evening to honor and recognize and celebrate our our athletes. They work very very hard in the classroom while they're also training real hard. It's not just a season, but oftentimes it's through the summer even before. So, I want to hand to those students that work extremely hard to uh do well in the classroom and on the field. We're going to start by calling on the um something called the academic scholar athlete. So, the sports in the fall um are flag football for for the ladies, uh regular football for
006guys, then we have uh volleyball, and we have cross country, and we have I'm missing one. That it tennis and tennis. So, those sports. So uh to be an academic scholar for your respective sport what they do in the league is they get the top academic achievers for that sport. So the league uh pro obviously provides uh a recognition but we as a district uh recognize the fact that athletes do what they do on the field but even as important is to do really well in the in the classroom. So academic scholar means throughout the entire league the top few students who got the highest GPA for that quarter uh they're getting recognized by the league to be an academic scholar. So wonderful job uh for that piece. So when I call your name please
007come up. Uh these are Mountain View League academic scholars. One goes to Alicia Ramos, Nahara Abbyara, Victoria Ramirez. There she is. Joshua Wong and Oliver Vigil and Josephine Wong. And that's this year's academic scholar athletes. Congratulations. >> Close together. All right. So, now uh we had a great fall season. Uh students achieved uh not only uh some specific individual um honors, but as a team we did very well. So, let's start off with our volleyball team. So for our volleyball team, we had a good season, but we have a several students who did outstanding work and were honored by the league by uh all league honors. So second team all league for volleyball. I'm sorry. Uh, first goes to Leilani Praau, Natalie Tapia, Kaia Jones, Himea Valencia, and Lao. I guess they're shy. Okay, let's
008move on to uh tennis. Our ladies did an outstanding job. We had the top two tennis players in the entire league in singles. So, that's a great achievement. So, um for first place in the entire Mountain View League, a huge uh congratulations, round of applause for Victoria Ramirez. Second place in the entire league only behind Victoria was Adriana Rodas Corso. Congratulations. A quick shout out to Victoria because she had a game this evening for basketball and funny thing about that is also in the fall she did cross country and um tennis so she was able to play two sports in one season which is amazing. Okay, what about football? Let's go to football. Our boys had a great season. The previous two years were back-to-back league champions. This year, uh we were a young team.
009We're rebuilding, but we had a lot of success. So, we're was looking forward to a lot of great seasons coming forward because we do have a lot of young talent. Speaking of which, here are some uh all league honors. First one goes Isaiah Djo. Isaijo, Andrew Diaz, Romeo Garcia, Julius Zamora, Alejandro Belmont. Oh, there's Julius. Congratulations. Good job. Keep up the good work. >> They grew up way too fast. >> And all these I mentioned were either juniors or sophomores. Okay. And last uh definitely not least is our exciting flag football team. This is our third year. Uh we're doing great things out there. Uh so proud of these young ladies. It's so much fun to watch flag football. If you haven't come out, please come out. It's so much fun. So all league honorable
010mention goes to Kati Martinez Punees also a soccer study honorable mention Valeria Hinahosa second team all league Avery Velasco also plays basketball. Second team all league, Henna Navarez. Navarees. First team all league, Valeria Nunes. Also plays basketball and softball. First team Ali, Hana Velasquez. And that's our all the honors for our flag football team. Congratulations, ladies. I think so. >> Yeah, that's One more. One more. One more. We have a uh I say this one last on purpose because this young man's a freshman, but he absolutely dominated on the cross country uh course. He ran or I said if he if he would have ran JB like all the other freshman sophomores, he would have been league champ. wanted to challenge himself and and run for varsity. So, he made it to CIF his freshman
011year. So, we have a lot of exciting uh news to come in the future for this young man. So congratulations to Oscar Marquez cross country. Thank you. That's all we have. Before you head up, we have a couple more recognitions uh for our outgoing president, Dr. James Finley. So, I would like to call up our representatives here. Um, uh, Abel Kasanova from from Bubio's office and Christina from Miss Oh, from Councilman Gilisner's office. So, they're going to give you present you with some recognition and thanks for your time as a president. >> It's great to meet you. >> Great to meet you as well. >> Hi, school board. Um, like superintendent mentioned, my name is Christian Salamat. I'm here on behalf of Congressman Gilis Neros um who represents the city of Dwerty in the US
012House of Representatives and I have a certificate for our outgoing board president Dr. James Finley. Um we just want to congratulate you on um a great year of serving the students. Um and let me just share some words from him. Um, across your term as board president, you have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advocating for the district's students and families, promoting fiscal responsibility, and encouraging student success both inside and outside of the classroom. So, on behalf of California's 31st Congressional District, I commend you for your invaluable contributions to Darty Unified School District. Um, and thank you for enhancing opportunities for students to grow and excel. So, thank you, President There she is. Good evening board members. It's a pleasure to join all of you this evening on behalf of Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio's office and we
013are here to present also a certificate cong congratulating you and thanking you for the service that you give in the DY community for the past year for all the work and dedication that you've done for the kids and for the children of this community. So the assembly member commends you for that and uh we're also here to congratulate once that reorganization is over. want to congratulate the new appointed leaders and um but before that um thank you for everything that you've done and on behalf of the assembly member. Thank you and congratulations That concludes our recognitions for the evening. Thank you. Yeah, we can take a a five minute recess. Um, President, is that okay? Okay, we'll take a five minute rec. Yeah. All right. Thank you everyone. That was a great opportunity to recognize
014our student athletes. they are when when I think back to the one sport that I did at Darty High School. Uh to think about these students doing multiple sports and some of them are even concurrent and yet they are still scholar athletes. Um I don't know. I think I think the the kids these days are built different. That's all I got to say. Um all right. So we are now moving on to the board organization for the 2526 school year. Uh so the first item then is the election of president to the board of education. Um so I now declare nominations are hereby open for the office of president of the board of education. So board are there any nominations. >> I nominate Raina Diaz. >> All right. We have a nomination for board member
015Raina Diaz. >> Second. >> All right. We have a second. uh chew that. Okay, so I guess hold on before we get to the second part. So are there any other nominations? Okay, seeing none. Um so as there are no further uh nominations, is there a motion to elect uh board member Raina Diaz as president of the Dart Unified School District Board of Education? >> Move to elect. >> All right. So we have a motion by board member Hasso, a second. >> Second. Second by board member Hogin. Is there any discussion? Board. All right. Seeing none, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> All right. That is a unanimous vote for board member uh board member Diaz. So uh so I guess now at this point we will go ahead and switch seats
016and I will turn the the gavl Over to board member Diaz. President Diaz. Okay. The next item to be considered is the election of the board vice president clerk. I declare nominations are hereby open to the for the office of vice president clerk of the board of education. Are there any nominations? >> I nominate Dr. Laura Hassel. >> Okay. Any second? >> Second. >> Not yet. Any other nominations? I'm sorry. seem none. Okay. >> So, I I I guess I'll I'll uh motion for Dr. Laura Hasso to be elected as the vice president and clerk of the Dart Unified School District Board of Education. >> Second. >> Okay. We will now call for a vote. All in favor to elect uh Dr. Laura Hasso as the uh vice president. >> I I >> Okay, then
017congratulations madame vice president. Okay. The next item in the is the election of the board member to represent the board as Laxa Los Angeles County School Trustes Association leas. Are there any nominations? >> I'll do it again. I was I nominate Mr. Tomy. >> Okay. There are any other nominations? >> No. Seems none, we'll now call for a vote. >> I move. >> Sorry. Do we Oh, yes. So, you're moving. I'll second >> the holding. Okay. Are there any other nominations? Since none, then um as there are no other nomination, is there a motion to elect Mr. Tom Reyes to represent the board as Laxa? >> We will now call for vote. Right. Sorry. >> Do you nominate? >> I Yeah, I uh I mo I motioned that he be elected. >> Okay. >> To
018as to as the representative from the board to Laxa. >> Dr. Finlay nominate and second by Rosa. Right. Okay. I will call for all the votes. Should I do it now? Okay. Uh Diaz. Yes. Mr. Finlay. Dr. Finley. I will do it. >> Hi, >> Hen. >> Yes. >> And Dr. Hasso. >> Yes. And Mr. Reyes. >> Hi. >> Okay. Then we have Mr. Reyes to represent the board of uh of Laxa. >> Okay. Thank you. The next item to be considered is the election of the board member to represent the board at the annual meeting in the county committee on school district organization. >> I nominate uh Mr. Tom Reyes uh for this position. >> second. Okay. Okay. There are nomination uh by Dr. Finlay and Mrs. um Rosa >> Rosaso Rosin. Thank you.
019Hin um there are any other nominations? Since none as there are no no footer nominations is a motion to elect Mr. Reyes to represent as a member of the board to represent board at the annual meeting at the county committee of school district organization. Move to elect. >> Move to elect. Second. >> Okay. All in favor? >> I >> Okay. Motion pass. Congratulations Mr. Reyes. Okay. Okay. The next item in the election of members of board are represent as representative of Darte Education Foundation. Are there any nominations? >> I nominate Laura Hassel. >> Okay. >> Second myself. >> Okay. Dr. >> Why not? >> Okay. That's okay. Okay. Are there any other nominations? As there are no footer nominations, is there a motion to elect Dr. Hasso to represent member board as a representative of
020the Dwarte Education Foundation? >> Uh motion >> motion by Dr. Finlay. >> Second by Mr. Reyes. Any other discussion? All in favor? I >> I >> Congratulations, Laura. The next item to be considered is the election of the member of the board as representative to serve on the city of Dwarte Park and recreation commission. There are any nomination. >> I nominate James Finley. Dr. Finley. >> Second. Second by Laura. Are there any other nominations? As there are no further nominations, is there a motion to elect Dr. Finlay as member of the board of representative to serve on the city of Darth Parks and Recreation Commission. >> Move to elect by >> Hasso. >> Dr. Hassu. >> Second by Miss Hollen. Any discussion? Since none, Dr. Finley will represent us as the city of the city
021of Dart Park and Recreation. >> Do we vote? >> Yes. All in favor? >> I thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. >> I know you want to make sure we approve you. Okay. The next item in the item is the election of member of the board representative to serve on the city the city of Dwarte public safety commission. Are there any nominations? >> I nominate Rosa Hokin. >> I nominate myself as well. >> Okay. Are there any other nominations? As there are no further nomination, is there a motion to elect Rosa Holin to represent us at the Darte Public Safety Commission? >> Motion. Oh, so I'll second. >> Okay. Um, Dr. Finley and second was >> uh Hasso >> Dr. has okay there is any other discussion all in favor >> I >> so congratulations
022>> the next item in the election is of two members of the board as representative to serve on the city dwarte summer Olympics and FIFA World Cup at hog committee there are Any nominations? >> I nominate Rosa Vulggin. >> Uh oh, okay. I was going to do it, but thanks. >> Oh, you can second it. >> I'll second it. >> And I nominate Dr. James Finley. >> Second. >> Okay. Okay. Dr. Finlay nominee uh Rosa, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. I know you are. >> Are there any other nominations? >> And and you got that Mr. Ray has nominated me. >> Okay. >> Since there there there can be two. >> There's two. Yeah. >> Yeah. But there Yeah, you're right. Yes. Yes. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Yes. Okay. And Dr. Finley
023by Tom. Okay. Perfect. Did you get a second? >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. Right. Okay. Um since there is no other nominations, we will call ro uh we will now call vote for a vote. All in favor? >> I >> Okay. Congratulations. Um, Miss Hogin and Dr. Finley. Okay. Item number nine, designation of superintendent as secretary to the board of education and authorization to sign approved contracts and execute other approved business on behalf in behalf of the board of education. May I have a motion? >> So move. >> Moved by Mr. Reyes. >> Second by Miss Hogin. Any discussion? Okay. All in favor? Did I >> I by name, right? >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, you're on it. >> Officially. Okay. Resol resolution 10-2526 to authorize delegating authority to the superintendent or designate.
024>> That's so I need a motion. >> So moved. >> Moved by Mr. Reyes. Second. >> I need a second. >> Dr. Hassel. Okay. Any discussion? N seeing none. All in favor? I >> item 11 authorization for assistant superintendent of business and as an authorized representative and confidential secretary for business services as alternative authorite representative to the board of West San Gabriel property liability self insurance and authority JPA and the West San Gabriel workers compensation Special compensation self- insurance authority JPA. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Dr. Hasso, second by Dr. Finlay. Any discussion? >> All in favor? I >> I >> Okay. Item 12, approval of certification of signatures and filing of the of the same with Los Angeles County of Education. May I have a motion? >> So
025moved. >> Second. >> Moved by Dr. Finlay, second by Dr. Hasso. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Motion is approved. Adoption of the board meeting schedule for 2026. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Dr. Finlay. Second. >> Second by Rosa Hogan. There is any discussion. All in favor? >> I. >> Motion approved. Adoption of the manual of policies and regulations of the board of education for 2526. May I have a motion? >> So moved >> moved by Dr. Finlay, second >> second by Mr. Reyes. Any discussion and discussion mean any question too because sometimes I have questions and so make sure that you ask. Okay. Motion approved. I haven't voted yet. Okay. Yeah. I'm sorry that they haven't. Okay. Um and item 14. All in favor? >> I
026>> motion approved. Item number 15, revolving fund account. May May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Moved by Dr. Hassel. >> Second by Rosa Hogan. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. Motion pass. Item 16, compensation for the board of education members. May I have a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. There is any discussion? >> Yeah, I want to raise. >> Come on. We're authorized now. >> For the public to to take note. Don't talk about it. We get No, this time we get $286.65 per month. It was $252.11. So, we got a little bit of a raise. We can now go to Starbucks. >> Thank you, Miss Holan. Okay. All in favor? >> I Okay, motion pass. Item number 17, identify management positions. There is any discussion? Did I
027need a motion? I need a motion first. I'm sorry. I need a motion to approve identify management positions. >> So moved. Second. >> Moved by Mr. Reyes. Second by Dr. Finlay. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Motion pass. >> Okay, that was the last one. >> Okay. Okay, we now move to item 12, report from student board member. That's the best part. >> Hello everyone. Good evening. I hope you are all having a great night. Um, these past few weeks on campus have been very fun as we are in our final stretch of the semester. Last week, our holiday food drive came to an end. Um, and with all of our donations, we were able to make 34 dinner baskets to serve our local families this holiday season. These baskets included stuffing, mashed
028potatoes, turkeys, hams, utensils, canned goods, desserts, and like much more. It was great to see how these items came from our supportive students and families in our district. When we got back from Thanksgiving break, our leadership class had something special for the student body. There was a Grinchmiss spirit week with games, music, and cozy snacks. We did this to give back to our students and have them experience something fun before finals that are next week. Last week, our biotech students had the opportunity of collaborating with students from Japan. For the last 13 years, our biotech class has been meeting um with visiting SSH Super High School from Japan at City of Hope to exchange poster presentations, share rearch research, and collaborate on scientific topics. Last night, our guitar assemble got to perform for their families.
029They got to share what they have been learning while also getting others into the holiday spirit. Our college advisors and counselors on campus have been working with students for months, ensuring each senior has completed a resume, scholarships, and have completed a college application. They have hosted numerous workshops after and before school and even on Thanksgiving break um to give students extra assistance um during their application process. Yesterday, D um yesterday morning, DHY High School's economic classes got the opportunity of having a presentation from state senator Susan Rubio. It was a great opportunity for students to learn more about her and her position as a senator. Next Monday, we have a district-wide band performance. It will be hosted in our new gymnasium. Later in January, our leadership will be collaborating with City of Hope and for
030with City of Hope for our second blood drive of the year. As the semester comes to an end, we are excited to see what 2026 has in store for Dherty High School. Thank you. Any questions or any comments for that report? That's an amazing report. Thank you. Thank you. Okay, now we move to item number 13, superintendent report. >> Good evening, President Diaz, Vice President Hasso, Board of Education, Alexis, our student board member. Um, happy to give my first superintendent report ever in my entire life. So, yeah. Um, first of all, I want to say that today marks my 14th day of working day, not actual calendar day, 14th working day in Dart Unified. And over the past weeks, I have visited classrooms at Maxwell, our child development and MIT. I've visited all the classrooms
031there so far. And I'm going to finish up with Royal Oaks tomorrow. And I'll be at Valley View and Dwarte High School on Monday. Um, also going to Beardsley tomorrow morning. So, my goal, as I've shared, is to visit every classroom. I can't see for a long time, but just to at least get my head in there and see what's going on. Um, and I've also had the opportunity to meet with our cabinet multiple times, district leadership, support staff, students um with the ASB students at um high school this week and I will continue to visit the other students at the other schools and also families. I will will continue my listening tour throughout next week and also in January. So, I'm really eager to hear from more folks. And as I reflect on the
032conversations I've had so far, um, several themes are emerging. Um, I one I want to highlight tonight is the importance of communication, transparency, and trust. I've heard a strong desire for consistent, open communication and an appreciation for being listened to and included. Thus far over these first few weeks I've worked to increase transparency by engaging in open dialogue um sharing broader district updates as you've seen and also ensuring information flows more widely and consistently. This is just the beginning. I am committed to continuing to strengthen our communication systems and improving in this area as we move forward. As the one of my favorite books, the governance core reminds me and us, trust is the glue that holds the governance team together and enables honest dialogue, shared direction and coherence. And building that trust will be
033central to our work um in the next months and ahead and beyond. And with that in mind, I'd like to talk a little bit about professional development. And for me, I know professional development really matters for our educators. Attending conferences and professional learning opportunities keep our educators growing. So, it builds coherence across our classrooms and schools, and it directly impacts our student outcomes. We are a community of learners in Darti. Um, and I'm going to continue to strive for us to be that where all students, teachers, staff, and families and leaders are always learning and continuously working looking for ways to improve our craft and our experience. When educators are supported in working and growing in their practice, it signals that the district values reflection, innovation, and improvement. And as you know, I recently had
034the opportunity to engage in meaningful professional learning with the board of education at the CSBA annual conference um on education in Sacramento. Attending our CSBA together strengthened us as a governance team. It gave us shared experiences, common insights, and time to reflect on how we can deepen our focus on students and support the work happening across our district. I really enjoy the opportunity to engage in sessions together and learn about topics very relevant to everything we're experiencing in our district both with educating students and growing as a government's team. The learning we did at CSVA is not just beneful to us as individuals. It ultimately benefits our students. Stronger governance leads to stronger systems, clearer direction, and more consistent support for the people doing the daily work of teaching and learning, which is the bread
035and butter of what we do. And I really look forward to continuing our learning together and our upcoming governance workshop on Saturday, January 24th in the year 2026. Um, and we will be building on that momentum of our time at CSBA. This workshop will allow us to deepen our understanding of effective governance and collaboratively develop goals that will anchor our work moving forward. Okay. Thank you so much. That concludes my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Mrano. We now move to item 14, request to address the board. Mercedes, do we have any? >> Yeah. Thank you. We have two cards. Each speaker will have three minutes. And I will call up Andrea Grim or Andrea Andrea to the podium. >> Welcome to the district. We're happy to have you. >> All right. Uh, good evening. My
036name is Andrea Grim and I'm the parent of a Darty High School student. I'd like to begin with thanking the school board for your service to our community and our students. I know your job isn't easy and that you're called on to make some difficult decisions. The community has selected you and entrusted you to be their voice. The community has uh selected you to be the stewards of our children, our neighbors, and the children we see walking to school in their Maxwell Academy t-shirts or that group of teenage boys who are in the lobby of Starbucks wearing their Falcon Pride shirts and who are a little bit too loud and obnoxious, but they make us smile anyway because it makes us think of, you know, back in our day. The spot you've taken is difficult
037because you're here to be that community's voice, to be our students voice, and to be my voice. You've been elected to be the conscience of the people of the city, and you have the opportunity and the responsibility to act on what the community wants. We want our teachers. We want teachers who are happy because happy teachers make happy students. We want teachers who feel respected because that is what they'll give our kids. We want teachers who feel as taken care of by the district as our teachers take care of our students in their classrooms and in their offices. We have amazing teachers, counselors, nurses, and athletic directors here. There have been many teachers who have helped my kids thrive in DUSD. Way too many to list, so I'm going to highlight just one to represent
038the care and commitment of our teachers. My daughter was a senior last year, was a swimmer. They had no coach and Miss Stacy Nunees stepped up to take on the team so that 45 kids could swim. Her daughter, also a senior, was a Mont View League champion shot putter. She missed her daughter's games and her meets so that I could come and watch my daughter swim. And that to me talks a lot about the care and the commitment because it wasn't the stipen that got her there. It was her love for the students that she saw on campus every day that made her sacrifice that and serve those 45 kids before her own. This community values our teachers and we want a fair wage. We want our teachers to have at least the medical care,
039dental care and vision care for the employee. They need that. We want our teachers here present mind, body, soul, and we want them to feel as though they are respected. We're a small district. I'm the president of the teachers union for my district. I understand that we don't have a ton of money and that money is based on bodies. Programs are important, but programs don't mean anything if you don't have the people who are committed to running them and who are committed to our kids. When money is scarce, you need to have the priorities and you need to represent the values. And we value our teachers. We want the best for our kids and we can't do that if we don't have committed teachers. Please, we are at a point with our teachers that is
040very critical. >> That's time. >> Settle quickly. Thank you. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. >> There it goes. Thank you. Our next speaker is Mr. Steve Hernandez. Very first thing I want to do is tell you guys that u it's been a great year and thank you for all you've done. welcome and uh most importantly have a great holiday season. Um I've always started off a little bit differently, but today I think I want to do something different. There's two problems that have plagued our school district since the 80s. Number one has been the teachers and their pay. uh they constantly have gone through this and in the 80s they actually got what they wanted when they got a school board president that and a quorum to approve it. They got their raise and
041they had to give it back because we were going to go insolve it if they didn't. That was told to them by the state. Where we're at now is in the same place. But I think the thing that needs to be done is there has to be a way of communicating with them in a way that explains why they get what they get and why they can't get what they don't get. It's a reality we've always faced. It's always been a burden on this board and it's going to be until somebody finds a way to communicate equally with each other and that's basically the teachers and the superintendent. And by golly, if it doesn't get done, we're going to lose our district. That's where we're at now. It's just gone on too long. The second,
042we have two very strongly um supported groups in the city. one that is pro- everything and one that is I wouldn't say quite anti- everything but they have their differences in both cases you have um Heather Mezgar with the is is the leader of the union and she's really the one that needs to be delegate that you need to really get together with and Tom would be the second you got to listen to Tom because his group is always on a different plane And it's never going to change unless these two groups understand where we are, why we are, and how we can work together. It's got to be your two priorities or again, we're we're at the end of our rope. It's we just can't keep going this way. The rumors have been very
043destructive over the years. They've kept kids from wanting to go to our schools, and they'll keep doing that until they end. and they won't end until they're really addressed and not just brushed aside, which is what they've always been. And uh I really wish us the best next year, all of us. And I think you're going to be the person that does it. I really do. So, good luck to all of you and I look forward to seeing you next year. >> Thank you, Steve. Uh we now move mo move to general functions. I need a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of November 13, 2025. >> So moved. >> Moved by Mr. Reyes. >> Second by Dr. Hass any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> We now move item number
044two, approve the consent calendar. The next item and of business is the adoption of the consent calendar. Does anyone want to remove any item for separate discussion or action? >> Um, I believe I need to hold my wife's name, recuse myself. She's under the uh classified personnel. >> So, we need to move that item. Okay. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, we're going to do it at item number one or how do you work with that? >> Oh, okay. Thank you. Okay. Okay. Okay. Then we will now um approve the consent calendar with the removal of item number four. Right. Okay. So motion to approve the consent candela calendar with the mo with the um removal of item number four. May I have that motion? >> Move to approve. >> Moved by Dr. Hassa. >> Second.
045Dr. Finley. All in favor? >> I thank you. >> We now move to item number one or >> do you vote? You didn't vote. >> Do you abstain to that? >> No, not yet. >> In the second. >> Yes. Uhhuh. Yeah. Thank you. No, that's fine. You We were fine. Yeah. 5. Yes. Uhhuh. Yeah. So we now go to ne. >> So then >> so I I think board member Reyes would have to be excused for item number four the consent calendar. Right. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, but to approve will be number one for I just go to the four. Okay. Okay. Perfect. Thank you. Okay. Then I need to have a motion to approve item number four with the exception of Mr. Ray. He will not vote. >> Does he need to leave?
046>> He will he recuse of that. Okay. But >> does he need to physically leave? >> Oh. Okay. Yes. Abstain. Okay. So, okay. I just need a motion for the rest of the board. >> Move to approve item four. >> Second. >> We'll do it this way. So again, okay. Okay. It has been moved and second um that I need a motion to approve this with the exception of except I Okay, perfect. Okay. Uh roll call. I will be calling the for vote. Hasso. Yes. >> Okay. Dr. Hasso. Yes. >> Yes. >> Dr. Finley. Yes. >> Yes. And Readas. Yes. And Rey is abstain. Okay. Thank you. I'm sorry that. Okay. Okay. Okay. We now move to item number three. Accept gift and donations. Do we have any gift and donations that we do? Let's
047see it. Okay. Sorry, I don't see. Okay. I need a motion to approve gifts and donations. May I have a a motion, please? So move >> moved by Rosa Holin and second >> second by Dr. Finley. >> There is any specific gift that come from any or >> there is a list of a lot. Okay. Thank you. >> I I do I do have a question for the discussion part. So, I was I it seems like we have more more donations than I remember in the past or I don't I don't know if there's a reason that they sort of all come in at the end of the year or is this just have these come in during the entire year and we're just now approving all of them now or did they Okay, so
048it sounds like they came in. So, it wasn't that we got to the end of the year and everyone got really generous. Okay. All right. Sounds good. Thank you. >> Thank you. Okay. All in favor to accept the donations. >> I >> Okay. Motion approved. Item number four, construction and modernization project update, December 2025. Receive for information the construction and moderation project update. Move to item number 16, business, no sorry, business and finances. Not item number one, notice of completion uh and release of retention and memorandum of commen cons commencement for Bernard's brother incorporation lease back LLB RFQ-P number 001 contract for the Dwarte High School Sports Complex project. May I have a motion? >> So moved. Moved by Mr. Philly, second >> Second by Dr. Hasso. Any discussion? >> I I don't have a
049discussion, but if you can just tell us what is this about it? >> Yeah. At the completion of the project at the there's this was a lease lease back. So the general contractor then has subcontractors. So now there is some money coming back to us that will go back into the bond. So that is what this is approving is it's around 291,000 uh and some change that will go back into the bond. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Question. So this is for the gym. >> Okay. >> And what happened with the leak with the gym? Who's handling that? And are we having to pay for that? >> I have a update for you in my next part of the report. Um but yes, that is being addressed. Um and we do have warranty for
050a year from September on all items related to the gym. There are some um machinery and those type of things that have a longer warranty. But um the leaks are being repaired and um would you like me to give an update on that now? >> If you like. >> Okay, sure. Okay. >> Yeah, I had it for the next part, but um there were um of course those multiple leaks and they've been addressed. Bernard's will be actually um on site tomorrow. We received some of the materials today. Uh and they're going to be doing some water testing to identify in the locations that have not already been patched. Um and the threshold was delivered as I mentioned and they're waiting for confirmation on a subcontractor to install that because that will be a repair that's
051you know um needing to be done based on the quality of the construction or what have you. So that is being done now. >> Okay. Thank you. >> And I believe that you did send some information regarding that too that it was what basically what you report. Yeah. >> Yeah. The only update really is that um it's the materials were delivered today for the threshold um and there's still ongoing. Yeah, >> that's great. Yeah. >> Okay. Um if there is any there is any other discussion all in favor? >> I. >> And who can say no to money that is returning to the pot? Motion approved. Okay. Nonaggendaized item. I gonna start with uh Dr. Finley. >> All right. Wow. I'm I'm on the other end of the gap this time. Thank you very much,
052uh board president. So, um I I just want to start off by saying uh again, welcome to Dr. Madano. Uh it you're you're doing a stellar job for your very first job, our very first board meeting here. So, thank you um for for joining our team and uh I look forward to continuing to work with you even if I don't get to sit right next to you. So, uh I got to enjoy it for for part of a meeting. So, I'll have to take that. Um so, Alexis um shared a uh in part of her report about the uh school from Japan, the the super science high school from Japan uh that was here visiting with our biotech students. uh they and uh she mentioned they they were down at City of Hope uh for
053part of their visit and I actually got to present to this group uh and great great students and uh this partnership that has been going on now for 13 years is something that I think is is something um that we always want to strengthen uh here in our city because I I feel like uh we as we uh send our students students out from Darti High School. They're going out into a world that is more and more international than it's ever been. And having these exposures to students and ideas uh from all around the world, I think is really pivotal to their development as citizens of this country and as lifelong learners. Um so I I you know, I know this isn't going to happen overnight. Um, but I would I'd really like to see
054if if one of these years in the future we can send some of our students over to Japan. I know that every time that they have come um they've asked when when are your students going to come and visit our high school. Um so I I don't know how we can do that exactly. We're we're going to have to identify um possibly some grants um possibly some donations from um you know members of our community uh businesses. whatever it may be. Um, but I I think it would be something that would be really really special for our biotech students to be able to go over there and to experience another culture um just as the the students from Japan have been able to do for the last 13 years. So, um I'd like to get
055behind that uh if we can. Um, and then just to to to wrap up, um, this is just a fantastic time of year um, in in our city. There's there's so many wonderful things going on. An example of that would be the snow night that we had down at uh, the park at Beardsley uh, last weekend. Uh, I don't know what the official headcount of that was, but it was literally thousands of people. um when when you're talking about a city, you know, the size of ours to have that many people show up. Um it wasn't just for the hot cocoa that I was making. Um there was lots of exciting stuff to do down there. And I I just think that's a stellar example of the things that our community um enjoys and the
056things that they expect and deserve. Uh so as as we go into this holiday season, I just want to um express my my best wishes to you all that you'll be around loved ones and family and friends and that you'll be able to uh enjoy this this special time of year. So with that, thank you very much, Madam President. >> Dr. Finlay, I have a question for you. Okay. >> And uh what role did you uh were able to present to those students? >> Ah, yes. So, uh, so I I, um, work down at City of Hope. I'm a a research professor down there. And, um, I I think that, um, so the the the person that actually puts puts on this event, she's been a researcher down there for many, many years. In fact,
057when she uh when her son was about seven or eight years old, um I actually um helped with after school daycare with him. Um, and now he's he's a grown adult and and everything now, but it's it's um I I think I was contacted uh through his uh his mother um who I I got to know when I was a high school student here as well as uh my PhD adviser also helps with this program. And so I think they they knew that I had a connection here to Darti High School having graduated from Darti High School as well as having uh kids in the school. So, it was a great chance to get to meet with these students from uh way across the ocean and to to be able to share some of the
058really important research that goes on at at City of Hope right in our our little city here. And last but not least, how do you feel being um presenting to um high school students and and the that transfer you to your years when you were Dwarte Unifi student especially at the high school? >> Yes. Yeah. So, so, um, whenever these students come out here, one of my very first slides is actually a Google Earth, uh, view, uh, showing Darty High School and showing the City of Hope. Um, and there there's about 730 feet from where I went to high school to the office I sit in today uh, for work. So, I I kind of jokingly tell them that um, you know, I've I I haven't gone that far. Uh but but when when it
059really comes down to it, you know, I've I've um lived all over this country. I've lived in a foreign country and and um I it's it's nice to be able to tell them that Darty High School um prepared me for all that. You know, this this district in general did. I mean, I I don't want to say it was just the high school because, you know, I I attended Royal Oaks and Valley View and North View and all of those things set the foundation for for who I am today. And and that's that that is a very good reason as to why, you know, my wife and I returned here to Darti so that our kids could go to school here because I'm I'm a very very firm believer in public education in general and
060and our Darty community u because that's that's what gave me my my launch. >> Thank you, Dr. Finley. Mr. Reyes. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Congratulations, Raina. Congratulations, Laura. I hope you have a great year coming up. Um, again, welcome. Congratulations. Uh, I seriously I look forward to working with you. And I I got to tell you, you know, Dr. Madrono, she came here and she hit the ground running. And last night her and I were at Pamela Park sitting down and visiting with parents. And I don't think that ever happened. Well, no, I know it never happened with any superintendent prior to her. And and it and it just shows me how much she cares about the community and wanting to listen to everyone, you know. So, she's just not talking. She's actually showing
061action, which is why we hired her. So, thank you again and everybody have a great holiday. You know, we had a great meeting. I was proud to see our students get their recognition tonight. That was something good to see. Always great to see. And um hopefully, you know, things will work out for us with the teachers. I hope we can come to some type of agreement. All of us do, you know, we all do. And um let's just uh hopefully move forward, you know, cuz it's all about the kids. It's all about the children. That's why we're here. Okay. Oh, and and talking about raises, I don't know if any of you knew that there's a new um assembly bill that just passed. So we could talk about it next year for school boards and
062it's it's it's significant amount of uh money compared to what other well a lot of us are getting you know I mean what I meant was a lot of other school boards you know they're not um they're it's way underpaid you know but let's take care of our teachers first. >> Yes. >> Before we talk about our raises. >> Yes. >> Thank you. Have a good a great holiday everybody. >> Okay. Tom, I met you over 20 years ago. You were leading with other people the LULAC group. I haven't hear from LUAC in a long time and I know how much LUAC support our especially our Hispanic students. um that we will be able to see Lulu again doing especially you and and I can name you many many people that I met. It was
063your brother, it was Margaret Damontes, it was so many people that I joined and and I find out about the school board through LULA. And so there is any thing that you see in your horizons that it will be coming something not necessarily Lulak but fund raise for for the school for the students because Lulas Lulak was one of the strongest organizations who give thousands of dollars uh during the fireworks as sales and I did work many many hours in that and and I did it with Kuwanes and my grandkids and my kids sleep over night and in and at the places where we were selling the boots that we were selling fireworks. So, do you see yourself one of these days start looking into go back and do some uh fundraisings for scholarships? >>
064Well, it's funny that you mentioned that. We're we're working we're we still have the boosters. Liz Riley, myself and a couple other parents from the high school are getting involved and we're going to try and bring that back and u but we're still in the planning stages. >> It's still alive. The 501c is still there. We still have money in the bank. Um but we need to get some parents that are are going to show some commitment and dedication in order to get this thing off the ground again. But we're we're working on it. >> Thank you. Okay, Dr. Hasso. Thank you. H I have lots of notes here. I want to make sure I don't forget anything. Um first off, for Tom and I, we've made it a year. So, um and it's been
065a busy year. Last January, we started with our natural disaster, our Eaten Canyon fires that impacted our students and our families. Um the winds impacted our schools. We were closed for a couple of days and then right behind that was the uh Ldio site and the toxic waste that came up. And then um shortly after January 20th, we we quickly started to see um pressure from immigration impacting um our families and you know threats of ICE and that being a really big um you know concern valid concern for our families. Um then in July our superintendent retired. Totally understandable, but that was not on our calendar. Um but we engaged in the process of uh finding a new superintendent. And I'll just re reiterate it again. Um welcome and we're we did a really good
066job in picking you. Um and so yeah, it's been a busy year. And Tom, I think you said we're going to have a great year. I second that. And so we're up for a great year. Um, as Dr. Mandrado mentioned, we attended the CSBA conference in Sacramento together. It was really a beautiful learning opportunity for us to be alongside and really just hear some of the common themes that are happening in education. And um, you know, it could be really easy to get caught up in the problems and really admire the problem. But it was one, it's not just our problem. It's a it's happening everywhere, but it was really solutionoriented. And I think we came back really in reinvigorated with some really good um ideas and direction in terms of how we deal with
067the difficult things that are that we're being faced with. Um and I know we'll dig deeper into that on our January 24th um governance study session. Um let's see here. Our scholar athletes always want to give them a shout out. I think one of the most beneficial things that we can do is highlight the amazing things that we have here in DUSD and we have amazing sports programs and sports facilities and we have students who are scholars and athletes and and that's definitely something that uh we want to celebrate. Um let's see here and I yeah just happy holidays um to everybody. Good luck to our DHS students next week on your finals. You're going to do great. And you know, everybody's been working really hard, our students, our teachers, our staff, and definitely enjoy
068your very, very welldeserved break. So, that concludes my comments. >> Laura, how long have you been in the board on the board? Well, on the 19th will be a year because we did our um our December meeting on the 19th last year. So, um eight days short of a year. >> Okay. Do you ever thought about that you would be doing this work that you have been doing like a year and a half ago? >> Well, I what I I thought that maybe when I retired I would run for the school board. Um, but when we went to uh trustee areas and it was brought to my attention that we didn't have representation in my trustee area, I was said, well, okay, I I I'll give it a go. I'll throw my my hat in
069the ring. And so, um, but I've learned a lot and I've been in education for, you know, over 20 years. Um, always on that side, always wearing my red shirt or black shirt, you know, during times of negotiations. And um it's different to be on the side and it's been a ton of learning and there's still so much to learn but I'm committed to it. Thank you for your service. But I don't want to miss to say thank you to Nacho. I see Nacho in most of our meetings who is uh Dr. Hasso's husband and today he was take he was a paparazzi taking pictures every single picture. So, um, thank you for for have for bringing him to the community and being able to enjoy also his friendship with us. >> Yeah, thank you.
070And it's our anniversary month and so we'll be celebrating our how old is Ally? Our 27th wedding anniversary on the 30th. So, >> congratulations. Thank you. And I promise by my side and I promise I just gonna do this this time, not in every meeting. Okay. Okay, I know she's expecting me to call her name, but I will not do it. So, I would like to go with Alexis. Um, I would like to echo what the other board members have said and I would like to thank Dr. Madrono. Um, earlier this week on Tuesday, she came to speak with our leadership class and it was just such a great experience and um, she asked us questions. she wanted to hear our feedback and I've talked to all of the students in our class and they
071really appreciated that. Um, you know, a lot of students on campus come to leadership students cuz they think that we could fix like all their problems. So, like it's good that they have a lot of information from the student body. So, I'm very thankful that you came to speak to our leadership students. Um it was very appreciative and it was just great to meet you like and for you to introduce yourself and for us to get to know you. It um as a student like we appreciate that. It was really nice to feel heard and like get to express like what we know about our school and other people's concerns and so thank you. And then I also went to the CSBA conference um last weekend and it was really a good experience for me.
072I got to meet a lot of new people. I got to collaborate with other student um board representatives and just to hear about how other student board um representatives do in their district. Like it really in a way kind of humbled me how our small district is like really tight and it's a good district, you know. Um, so yeah, that's Thank you. >> Thank you, Alexis. Um, I just want to make sure that you remember that you always uh make an impact to us and to many people in the community as being the voice of our students. And so, thank you for all the good news that you bring to us and and to be able for us to hear the achievements that every student is is doing. And so we appreciate your participation. So
073the the more that you information that you provide to us, the more that we feel what what way we will move to. But is it is great also to hear um that you were pleased to see our superintendent in in the school. So thank you. >> Thank you. >> And last but not least will be that I call Should I call her first? No, just kidding. >> Rosa, hold me. Well, I want to echo what everybody had to say. Everybody had great things to say. Um, again, welcome. I know there's going to be a lot of challenges. I believe you're in on it and you want to work with us and um, very pleased. Everybody's very happy. I'm getting a lot of good feedback out in the community and um, we're going to be here
074to do our best to help out. And um, welcome and everybody have happy holidays and we will see you next year. And I want to do a quick shout out to Mr. Anderson. Can you raise your hand, Mr. Anderson? I just want to thank you. Um he on on Sunday we did a fundraiser a Rotary and we were selling hot chocolate and all the proceeds go to our scholarships at the end of the year which he normally helps us with but um I want you guys to know that he bought over 40 cups of hot chocolate >> and that was >> Wait, did he share them? Okay. I was just wondering >> he kept kept he kept coming back and he would get I mean I was there collecting the funds and I want to
075>> I want you to know how we appreciate that you help the kids out there. You're retired and you're still out there and um we do notice in case you're wondering or I notice. Thank you. >> Okay, Mr. Holene, I want you to just for you to know that he has that big heart because not Yes, he's he was he's a counselor, but he's a very proud member of the Kiwanas Dwart Giwanas Club, too. And so we asked him to please go and support the Rory. It's not true, but he's an amazing person. Rosa. Um, I would like to ask you, Miss Holin, three years ago, what, um, what role did you have in the community >> before you were elected to the school board? >> Before I was elected, oh, I was on C,
076public safety, um, city of hope. I don't remember. I was doing a lot of stuff. >> But can you tell us what are you on? >> Yeah, Rotary. I was in Rotary. The list is long. I have to like think about it, but very involved in the city. I'm doing park cleanups. Um, >> and now what do you do? >> I still do that plus I got about 10 additional volunteer duties. I I can't even list them right now. It's a lot. It's a lot. So, >> great. Excuse me. Okay. I think that I I the only reason that I ask is um to all of you what you were doing before is just to make sure that you remember that when you're sitting up here and you are making decisions based in what is
077the best for the students, you are preparing the future of our country. Um and so I I am very proud and humbled to serve on this role. But I know that as well as our five fingers, our hand, if one of us is not there, we will not do the our best. It's always about the five of us. I I I have here many times three majority. It's not about that. It's about unity and to do our best for our students and for our staff. So I hope and pray that we can um accomplish that goal that is when we when we take the oath to promise to serve the country but to us is the students. So I am very blessed to be able to serve on this role. Um I want to share
078just a tiny bit. Um this I want to give you this present Dr. U Mrano. This is a book and it's Spanish. It's called Elsavario and it's a book with every little kid in El Salvador learn how to read and write. And this is the book that I used when I not this one but a copy of the book that I used when I was a little girl. And I just want to let you know that I am so proud to serve on this school board because I left San Salvador on this September 15 and I arrived to United States in February the 2nd at 76. I didn't have chance to go to school. I learned watching TV. Um, I made sure that my neighbors helped my kids to do homework with them and I
079was there to help them. But to be here where I am sitting today is a dream come true and serve on this board for the last 28 years. It has been part of my life. and and not to be proud of what I do but to be proud to see many students many many students now our doctors are uh veterinarians like Dr. Finlay many many kids but I am very proud to serve on the school board and and the wish that I have in my heart today is that we can get together and get to an agreement with our teachers and Dr. Navar uh Metrano it's your turn. I I don't know if I can follow all of that. Thank you for the book. I I love this. keep this in my office as a
080reminder. Um, thank you so much for the warm welcome. I really appreciate it. Um, and everyone has been so candid and open like I said before. Um, thank you Alexis for your report today and for sharing the feedback from the students. Always here to listen. So, thank you. I want to thank um Mr. Crosby and our cabinet um members that couldn't be here for steering me in the right direction of late and being my um you know just there and supportive and giving me all the background. Mr. Crosby's been working really hard especially today. So thank you. Um I did want to share an update on a couple of things. So, I know everyone is eager to get home, but one one thing I wanted to share um is we have a couple projects coming
081up with the construction that I think I'd like to share in this space. Um the Beardsley project, the construction will commence on January 5th. That is the plan date right now. They're in preparation to get the site ready for that. Um, and I also want to share a little bit about our plan with MIT at this point and what we're where we're at because that was brought up at the last meeting. So, I first want to start by saying that collaboration as we've been talking about right now um is is really essential to our work. um partnering with our unions, partnering with our families and our staff and also a authentic input is also essential as we explore the options especially of the future location of MIT. So during my first week after that board
082meeting, I was able to meet with cabinet and begin discussing our approach and our collaborative approach to this problem. Um I shouldn't say problem, the big move that we got to it's um big big decision we have to make together. So, we started reviewing all the possible district options within our district and sites that we might be able to use and and to understand what might be feasible. Um, and at this early stage, I'm going to share that Darty High School appears to have space that could potentially accommodate the program. So, we as a first step conducted an initial walkthrough. Um, this was this week actually just to look at the two possible areas on campus. Um, so, um, on Monday, Ericson Hall, our, um, the construction company we work with, joined us to kind
083of discuss what could possibly work there. It's just conceptual. And I want to really emphasize um, underscore that this work is still very preliminary and no decisions have been made. Um, we just are exploring all the possible options that would be within our scope. And we also recognize that housing two schools on one campus um as shared can raise some concerns for students, staff and families. And we want to be sensitive to those perspectives throughout this process and listen and hear from everyone so that we can truly understand how to best move forward. Understanding these concerns clearly is an important part of our decision-m. So as our next step, this is what we we're we're at right now. Again, this is all very preliminary, but our next step is to gather more broad input from
084students, families, and staff through a survey to better understand perspectives and needs to still preserve programming at both Darty High School and MIT. So, we're preparing um to a presentation um with that input to illustrate the two potential locations or more if we discover and explore their implications on programming and principles from Dwarti High School and MIT will um initially have the opportunity to share feedback of course and then we will hold some input sessions at the sites the campuses to ensure we hear directly from the community. And after completing that process, um we will of course return to the board with an update and recommendations based on everything that we hear. So our commitment is a thoughtful, transparent and inclusive process every step of the way. And I will be providing updates as we
085complete parts of this. So um in closing, I just want to say again, thank you for the opportunity to share this update and we're always learning. I think we talked about that Laura, Dr. Host, you talked about we're learning so much and there's always more to learn. Um, and I really look forward to learning more. And these first few weeks have really been energizing. Um, and I'm truly grateful for the warm welcome. Like I've never been welcomed so much anywhere I've ever been. So, I appreciate that. Um, it's an honor um to be trusted and I really appreciate the trust you've placed in me and I'm committed to lead leading with openness, collaboration, and a deep focus on what's best for students. that will always be at my center and looking forward to continuing this
086work together and building the strong upon the strong foundation that we have here. Thank you. >> Thank you, Dr. Mrano. We now move to adjourn the meeting to close. No close session, right? >> Okay. I need a motion to adjourn the meeting. >> So moved. >> By Mr. Reyes, second by Rosa Holin. Any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Motion approve. Do you will need some signatures, Mercedes? Thank you for everything. Thank you for that preparation. Thank you.