001Test test. Good evening everyone. Thank you for coming out this evening. Uh the board has just returned from close session and while in close session the board took action to approve and ratify a uh the final settlement agreement and general release dated April 4th, 2025 between parents and district in student v. Dart Unified School District special education due process case OAH case number 202530040 pursuant to which the district has agreed to fund and provide educational services to the student and the students parents have agreed to release claims against the district in exchange for educational services as specified in the agreement. It was moved by board member Reyes and seconded by board member Holine with all board members voting in favor of the motion. Uh, additionally on May 9th, 2024, the governing board of the Dwart
002Unified School District rendered a decision to expel case number 032324 and set May 2025 as when the student would be eligible for readmission. In determining whether the student may be readmitted into the Dart Unified School District pursuant to education code 48916, members of the board have reviewed the documents related to the expulsion and readmission of case 032324 and shall vote on the matter of readmission. So, as a reminder to the board, a yes vote will end the period of expulsion and a no vote will deny the readmission of the student, which will result in the extension of the expulsion period. So, may I have a motion from someone on the board, please? Move to approve. Uh, sorry. Is this a motion? Motion to to deny. So, this is a no vote. I'm sorry. Yes. Yes.
003Okay. So, we have a motion of a no vote to deny readmission. A second. So, a motion by board member uh Diaz, a second by board member Reyes. Um any discussion board? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. 50 vote. All right. So, we can go ahead and move on to our uh we can call this regular meeting to order now. It is 710. Uh we'll do a quick roll call. Board member Diaz here. Board member Finley present. Board member Oolgin here. Board member Hasso here. Board member Reyes here. Student board representative Priscilla Navarete here. Excellent. Thank you. And Dr. Hillman, is all of your team here? All present and accounted for. Thank you. Excellent. Thank you very much, Dr. Hillman. All right. We'll now move on to item number five, which
004is a flag salute, which will be done by Dr. Laura Hasso. Good evening. Please stand. Place your right hand over your heart and 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. All right. And I've asked board member Diaz to go ahead and do our beliefs, our vision, and our mission. Our beliefs. We believe we are a community of learners. We believe learning occurs in a culture of caring and respect. We believe all the students are motivated to learn when they are engaged in meaningful work that connect 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
005believe we have the responsibility to find solutions that enable all the students to learn. Our vision 21st century schools producing 21st century students. Our mission provide the knowledge, skills and inspirations for for each student for success in college, career and life. All right. Thank you very much board member Diaz. Uh all right, we'll we'll now uh move on to item number seven, which is the adoption of the agenda. And I believe we may have an amendment to Okay. So, uh, we're, uh, board, I'm looking for a motion to approve the amended agenda to reflect the change of order on the agenda to item 15.2, dyslexia screening approved instrument. Um, okay. Which was originally listed on the consent calendar. So, uh, do I have a motion to approve the agenda with that amendment? So moved. Second.
006Motion by board member Reyes, second by board member Holine. All those in favor or sorry, any discussion board? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. All right, that passes 50. And Miss, would you mind making an announcement about translation services? Thank you. Thank you very much, uh, board member Reyes. All right, we can move on now to uh, the recognitions portion of our evening. Wonderful. I'm going to start. We've got recognition going on. You called your board member race. Oh, I'm sorry. Board member. I'm sorry. Board member Diaz. Come on. I was threatened with a chunkla. So, so I'm gonna move on and we're gonna um spend some time recognizing some wonderful individuals. And I'm going to start by um recognizing our student board member. And I'm going to ask our student
007board member. We have two, but um Priscilla, I'd like you to join me down um down there. And I'm just going to say a few words and then we're going to um honor you and take some pictures. So, would you join me down there? [Applause] So, Priscilla, I just wanted to take this moment for the whole public to hear this as well and for the board. Um, tonight we proudly recognize our incredible student board members. We have two um Priscilla Navarat uh has done a great job representing Dardi High School and Ruby I'm sorry, Honey Honey Rupaclava who is not here right now. She represents MIT. So, our student board members, um, we want to really recognize them tonight for their, uh, incredible and, um, for the their meaningful and insightful reports that they've shared
008throughout the year. Uh, these updates have been filled with school pride, authentic student voice, and a strong sense of connection to your school community. Your voice has not only informed us, they have inspired us. We do listen and and more importantly we learn from you. You serve as a powerful and visible reminder that every decision made by the board has a direct impact on the students we serve. You've helped ensure we never lose sight of that responsibility. So to Priscilla Navarat here, we will soon graduate very soon and head off to UC San Marcos this fall. Congratulations on all you've accomplished. We wish you continued success and fulfillment as you step onto your exciting new chapter. And to Honey, who's not here tonight from MIT, who still has time ahead before her graduation, we look
009forward to witnessing all great things that she'll do and and achieve during the remaining her remaining school high school years. So my wish for for both of you is to carry the richness of your school experiences with you wherever your path may lead. You've demonstrated maturity, thoughtful reflection, and really powerful communication skills that will serve you well into adulthood. Your voices and contributions remain with us. And the legacy you've created in our schools and within this governance team is lasting. So, our collective future, I I hope you agree with me, the community, that our collective future is bright. It's brighter knowing that young people like you will soon lead the way. So, we are proud of you. Thank you for your service and please stay in touch. We have a small gift for you and
010to honor you and the board will come down and be able to take a picture with you as well. [Applause] So, what we'd like to do also, I know mom and dad want to take some photos as well. We'll make sure you get a photo opportunity, but we also want to acknowledge the fact that Priscilla um has been coming to these board meetings now for two years rel consistently um has participated in so many different things including um the CSBA conference and has learned so much in addition to all the other things that she does at Darty High School. For those of you who know her, she's an incredible student leader. Um but that is not without some support. her biggest fans and those who support her the most. Mom and dad and her brothers
011are here tonight. So, we'd like to acknowledge and thank them for making sure that she she gets here and they're sitting here through our board meetings all the time. So, we really do appreciate your uh thank you for sharing your daughter with us. [Applause] So, the board's going to stay down here for a bit. We have some more recognitions and now we're going to move on to the PBIS recognition. So, I'm going to call up Miss Nila A. Come on up and tell us about all the great things that are going on in our [Applause] schools. It's whiter. No. No. Good evening everyone. Thank you so much for being here. And today is an exciting night that we get to recognize our uh schools for achieving state level PBIS recognition from the California PBIS coalition.
012Um, for those who don't know PBIS, what it stands for, it stands for positive behavioral intervention supports. And it's a framework that helps support our schools and building a culture and a climate of safety, security, ensuring student success and allowing the student to basically blossom in an an arena where it's best conducive for um for a child. Oh, closer. I'm short. That better. Okay, I'll be leaning in. Okay. Um, through PBIS, school proactive proactive teaches and reinforces positive behavior, promotes social emotional growth, and data is utilized to guide and drive PBIS. And so the goal is to ensure that every student feels respected, connected, and is set up for success. These awards reflect the dedication of our educators, staff, school leaders in creating campus that is positive, inclusive, and grounded in values of equity, respect,
013and support for all. Each of these schools have implemented positive behavioral interventions at a high level of commitment and care. The recognitions you'll hear today are due to the respect that our due to the due to today's I'm sorry today represent the strength and hard work of our staff and our students. So without further ado, I would like to recognize each of our schools and we will start with the bronze level which this award honors their foundation of work in creating a safe, nurturing and supportive environment for our youngest learners. And please um congratulate and come up child development for their bronze level recognition. [Applause] Um Mhm. No, she's [Applause] Okay. Okay. Uh next level is a gold level recognition. These schools have demonstrated a strong consistent PBIS implement showing measurable progress in building positive
014school culture and student success. Please congratulate Maxwell Academy and MIT for gold level [Applause] recognition. So Maxwell, if you can come up Maxwell first and then we will recognize MIT right after. Y get your plaque. Yay. Yes. Hallelujah. [Applause] Please welcome MIT team. [Applause] Oh, you guys have amazing. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You're so sweet. [Laughter] Even [Applause] With platinum level recognition, these schools have demonstrated sustained PBIS excellence, integrated datadriven practices, maintained a strong and equitable system, system to support all students. Please help me congratulate platinum level recognition Royal Oaks and Value. But we'll start with Royal Oaks. [Applause] Thank you. Fabulous. You're fabulous. Thank well done. Thank you. Hi [Applause] [Music] [Applause] And last but not least, Valley View for your platinum level [Applause] recognition. Congratulations. Thank you and congratulations
015once again. There's more. Now, I'd like to invite Mr. Louis Haro, principal of Dardi High School, to let us know about some great students there. [Applause] Thank you, Mr. Crosby. Hello everyone. It's my pleasure and honor to be here this evening uh as principal of Dora High School to celebrate our academic scholars. Uh this is an exciting time of year wrapping things up and I have a lot of seniors here looking forward to graduation and moving on to their post-secary goals. So super exciting time at DHY High School. I'm going to first start off by uh celebrating and recognizing our scholar athletes. So these are athletes who played a spring sport who are top academic achievers. So what the league does, we're part of the Mountain View League. So for example, softball. What we do
016is we compare all the GPA of all the softball players in the league and the top athletes get recognized by being called a scholar athlete and they get a badge, a patch for their jacket and they get recognized. So these are academic scholars um athletes for spring sports and that is softball, baseball, tennis, boys volleyball, swim. Thank you Amaly. All right, here we go. So, when you hear your name, please come up and track, of course. I'll mention that a second. Okay, first have up, Mr. Adam [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Lemley. Himea Tala, Alisa Ramos, Emily Ramirez, Kylie Pinado, Kylie Emily, come on down, Erin Cervantes, [Applause] number one tennis player in the entire league. MVP Sage Romeco, [Applause] Adam Kartahena, Calvin Yu, Isabella Woo, Hannah Malone, Selena Banuelos, Christopher [Applause] Gang, David [Applause] Zang, Eliza
017Rico, [Applause] [Music] Oh, Amaly Lopez, [Music] dozes, Brielle Finley, [Applause] Brandon Edwards, Owen Ganon, [Applause] Charize Hawk. Charize. There we go. These are spring sports scholar athletes. Congratulations to [Applause] [Music] this. Picture. Picture. Picture. Okay, I'll get there. Uh, real quick, just uh today we were um for CI softball, our softball team, few softball players are here. Not only are they fourtime league champions, they uh they won today, first round of CIF, so they're going to second round of CIF tomorrow uh Saturday. [Applause] One more. [Applause] All right. Um, also for CIF, our baseball team at CIF, and they have a big game tomorrow night, six o'clock, DHY Field. Come out and support your CIF, uh, Contenders, uh, Falcon baseball team. And we also have tennis players. Sage is moving on to CIF with the
018doubles team, uh, Jenner and his partners. So, all righty. Now, our seniors, this class of 2025, I must say it's a special one. They I mean I might say that every year, but this time I really mean it. Our senior class, they're all special, but this is a special special class. Uh just what the athletic achievement and the academic scholars, but just the overall uh feel of the school and school spirit is driven by our senior class. Um and they are they are kind, they're compassionate, they're so uh kind to each other, they take care of each other. It truly is a special class. So, I'm honored to be their principal and I'm so happy for the achievements they made this year. So, we're going to celebrate the academic scholars. Um, so we're going to
019start off by announcing and um recognizing our validictorian and saludiatorans. We have two validatorans and one saludiatoran. The reason for the tie is because they did they both did above and beyond. took every single AP class that they can take, every single early college class that they can take, and of course got all A's in every single class that they took. So these two young men are validictorians are exceptional students and got involved in leadership and sports. You name it, they were involved. I don't know how they do it, but they were able to manage their time and just uh be able to achieve greatness. So I'd like to call on our validatorans for 2025, Aaron Cervantes and Brandon Edwards. [Applause] Our saludiatoran of course got all A's as well and did just as much.
020But when it comes down to these top tier students, it's one class or two classes that makes a difference. Uh just a mathematical algorithm. So this young man is our salator. this year for his outstanding work. Joshua Davis Valera Valera. We're going to mention that. Okay, we'll take a picture with our validatoran saludiatorans. [Applause] Yeah. Well, they're going to get recognized again. All right. And now, um, the rest of the students we're going to call are students on the principal's honor role and honor. This is unweighted 3.5 or better, and underweighted 4.0 or better. So, if you were invited, just it'd be a little easier if you were invited and you know that you're receiving this award, if you could please stand up and line up here. It'll be a lot faster and a lot
021quicker and we'd appreciate it because there's a lot of you. Look at all these academic scholars. Come on up. Just stand off to the side and I'll call you. Thank you. [Applause] All right. So, these students, the these are just seniors. We're talking about seniors, senior class only. So, what I'm going to have you do if with I forgot to ask permission, but they let me do it last year. Sorry. When I call your name, please come up and you're just going to mention your name, your college, your major, and your career goal. It's here for a cheat sheet. And if you're going to something else, postsecondary goals. Okay. So, it would be me. I mean, Hi, I'm Luis Haro. I'm going to Cal Poly Pomona. I want to I'm going to major in kinesiology
022because I want to be a PE teacher. Something like that. Got it? All right. So, principles honor row with distinction. These three young people have a 4.0 or better for the entire four years of high school unweighted. Uh so I'd like to call up Ayan Mohamad. Oh, okay. Uh hi everyone. I I don't really need to introduce my name, but I'm Ayan Muhammad. Um, I'll be studying at UCLA once I graduate. Um, my major I intend to major in um, bioengineering and hopefully um, once I graduate I'll get a master's and I'll become a biomedical researcher. Thank you so much. No, no, Ashta Dixon. [Applause] Honoral with distinction. Um, hi, I'm Austin Dixit. Um, I'm going to Calpali San Los Aispo to study architecture. [Applause] Uh, Brandon Edwards. [Applause] Um, I'm going to be studying
023at Princeton University. Um, and either sociology or economics. Yay. [Applause] Joshua Varela. Hello, my name is Joshua Varela and uh I'm going to UCSD to study uh computer science. Aaron Cervantes. Uh hello, I'm Erin Cervantes. I'll be studying at UCLA and majoring in computer science and engineering. [Applause] Okay, everyone else is honoral, which means 3.5 or better for the entire four years. Non-weighted, which is a great honor. It means that they mostly got all all A's, maybe a B here and there, but uh 90% A's. So, principal's honoral uh Elvis Byron Agid Jacquellyn Alvarez. Jackie. Hi, my name is Jacqueline Alvarez and I'll be studying neuroscience at UC Merrced. [Applause] Sandra and Samantha Arianiano. Hi, my name is Sandraaniano. I'll be attending PCC to study psychology. Got a certificate. Hi, I'm Samantha Araniano. I'm going
024to be at PCC planning on becoming a nurse to become a NICU nurse. Congratulations, Michael Curo. [Applause] My name is Michael Co and I'm going to Pasadena City College to study electrical engineering. Adam Cartahenna. Adam baseball practice probably. Owen the Ganon. [Applause] Owen. Ethan Diaz. Yay. Hi, I'm Ethan Diaz and I will be attending California State Polytenic University and study biology. Yes. [Applause] Belle Finley. [Applause] Hi, I'm Briel Finley. I'm going to be going to uh Brigham Young University in Utah and I will be majoring in English. Abigail. Abigail Gerbedian. No. Abigail. Alyssa Garcia. Alyssa. Christopher Dian. [Applause] Hey, I'm Chris and I plan to major in electrical engineering at UCSD. Perfect. Brenda Haro. [Applause] Hi, my name is Brenda Haro and I'm going to be attending Calp Poly Pomona and I'm going to study
025biology. Charlize Hawk. Hi, my name is Charliss Hawk and I plan on going to Cal State Northridge majoring in radiological sciences and I hopefully can become an MRI tech. Jason Euan. Jason, [Applause] I think Hi. Uh, my name is Jason and I'm going to UC San Diego to study pharmarmacology. [Applause] Thanks, guys. Adam Lambley. [Music] There we go. Uh, my name is Adam Lemley. Hold on. I'll be going to Cal Poly Pomona to study mechanical engineering. Yay. Adam Amaly Lopez. [Music] [Applause] Hi, my name is Hi, my name is Ammy Lopez Giotes. Um, I'll be attending UC Berkeley in the fall and I'm going to be majoring in business and I hope to be a CEO of a business or or not business, medical or tech company. Oh yeah. Travis Low. Travis. No, Travis. Hannah
026Malone. [Applause] Hi, I'm Hannah Malone. I'm going to be attending CowPoly St. Louis Abyispo in the fall and I'm majoring in biological sciences to become an emergency physician. Wow, look at that. Jenner Marcos, he's practicing CIF tennis. Uh Genesis Genesis Mathenina Genesis. Oh. Oh. Uh, I'm Genesis and I'm going to Mount Sack for animal science. Kyle Mendoza. [Applause] Hello, my name is Kyle Mendoza and I'll be going to Mount Sack to study nursing. Gabrielle Gabriella Mitchell. Gabriella Mitchell. Fabiola Mononttoya Palano. Crystal Moran, Priscilla Navarete. [Applause] I'm Priscilla Navarete and I'm going to Calcy San Marcos to major in communications. Yay. [Applause] Miley Nunes. [Applause] Hi, my name is Miley Nunees and I'm going to Cal State Monterey Bay to study psychology. [Applause] Megan Rose Patrick. [Applause] Hi, my name is Megan Patrick. I am attending
027Citrus College and I will be majoring in educational teaching studies. Yay. All right. Kylie Panado. Kylie Ali first baseman. Hi, I'm Kylie Penalo and I will be attending St. Martins's University to uh pursue nursing. Emily Ramirez, our all league catcher. Hello, my name is Emily RmIrez. I'll be attending ELAC and I'll be studying biology. [Applause] Eliza Rico. [Applause] Hi, my name is Eliza Rico and I will be attending UC Santa Cruz and I will be studying biology. William Winang. [Applause] My name is William Sue and I'll be attending UC San Diego and majoring in political science. [Applause] David Sodto, congratulations. Hello, my name is David Sodto and I plan to go to Citrus College for history. Great job. Calvin Yu. Calvin, [Applause] congratulations. Hi, my name is Calvin Yu. I'll be doing my preex for
028nursing at Citrus College. I hope to eventually get my uh masters and become an O nurse. [Applause] David Zing. [Applause] Hello, my name is David Zang and I'll be studying pharmaceutical science at UC Irvine. [Applause] Adrien Rodriguez. Congratulations. Uh, hi. My name is Adrien Rodriguez. I'm going to UC Santa Cruz to study computer science and pursue a career in software engineering. Yes. Gabriel Martinez. Vanessa and D. Vanessa [Applause] D. Congratulations. Hi, my name is Vanessa And I plan to major in psychology to pursue a career in forensic psych. Good job at PCC. [Applause] Sage Romero. [Applause] Um, hi, I'm Sage. I plan to go to Mount Sack to weld and continue playing tennis. There we go. A few more here. Valerie Roas. Valeria Roas. Valeria, where are you? How about Omari Smith? Congratulations. Um, hi,
029my name is Omari Smith and I will be attending University of California, Irvine. Um, I plan to study environmental science and policy and for my career goal, I just want to be remembered. [Applause] Stacy Loera, Mala Cohen, Couple more. Um, hi, my name is Malak El Cohen. Um, and I'll be attending Cal State Fullerton to major in criminology. Congratulations. Brandon De Aros. [Applause] Hi, my name is Brendan de Arcos and I'm going to Mount Sack to study commercial flight to become an airline pilot. Congratulations, Melody Lopez. Melody. Hi, my name is Melody Lopez and I will be um attending Citrus College and major in psychology. [Applause] And she played Chucky in uh the color guard ensemble. She she was actually Chucky. It was awesome. Last but not least, Aiden Stockwell. [Applause] My name is Aiden
030Stockwell. Uh, I'm going to be going to Citrus College and uh I think I'm going to be majoring history and I don't really have a career goal. You guys, all right. Uh, we're gonna have to Aiden, don't leave yet. Aiden, come on now. Picture time. That's everyone. Congratulations to all our class of 25 honoral [Applause] students. We'll need probably a couple rolls. Oh, darn it. Yeah, I know. There you are. Should we? She's late to the party, but Abigail [Laughter] [Applause] Gerbedian Vanessa [Applause] Huh? Oh, it's uh We're gonna take a short recess. There are some cookies in the back. And we'll take a short recess and resume our meeting shortly after. All right, we are back from that amazing uh recognitions presentation. That was excellent. So uh we are now going to move on
031to item number nine. Uh so Dr. Hillman, would you mind introducing our first presenter? Absolutely. Tonight we have a presentation, a report from our uh California School of the Arts, San Gabriel Valley. I'm going to invite Fran Ficareroa to come on up and speak as the board member from that school and welcome sir. Good to see you. Thank you so very much. Uh it's such a pleasure to be here. I'm uh on the personal side very humbled uh to be here and uh represent the interest of uh our district. So I appreciate the opportunity to be here. So um I just wanted to provide a little bit of an update. As you know, I am uh the board representative for California School of the Arts. And so we have two uh of us uh here.
032Um uh we have our president um Genevie Spanella. She's uh here. So I'd like to introduce Genevie. So um Genevieve uh I want to provide a little bit of uh some uh uh highlights, some changes throughout uh the organization, but I also wanted to share maybe some activities, some programs at CS Arts. And lastly, I'd like to invite all of you to um join um some of these uh activities and programs. So, first I'd like to congratulate uh uh Mr. Tom Reyes and uh Dr. Laura Hasso. Congratulations on your election. It seems like a world away, right? It seems like uh such a long time, but uh I'm sure that our DHY community is going to be well represented by your uh representation. Um so just a couple of um just introductions. Um this last
033year we uh have a new board member uh his name is Daniel Volante and so he recently was appointed by uh California School of the Arts. Uh Mr. John Vaughn. Uh you may have known John uh from Citrus College. He retired recently. So, we have a new uh board member. So, whenever you have an opportunity, it'd be great uh to introduce uh yourself. Also, some other uh board members that uh on our board are Carol Green and Marcy Aldrich. This last year, um Dr. um Greg Endelman took a different position and so he's uh the chief operating officer. And so this year we had uh or have two principles uh Mr. Steven Cook who is our conservatory principal and then we have Nicole Reid uh who's the academics principal and she's joining us uh here
034as well. So that's a little bit in terms of the organizational changes that we've had at CSRS. Um in terms of the program I wanted to highlight uh these programs that really do impact our community. So uh first of all you may know that um in terms of uh middle school so the middle school program was expanded uh to include the sixth grade students and so that uh gave us an additional 83 students for a total of 254 for the middle school program. We anticipate and project that for the next uh calendar year we'll be up to 313 uh growth of 23%. So that is the the middle school uh program. Um some of the community arts I'd like to share with you is that uh the Dragon Kim Foundation CSRs partnership uh provides funds
035for music instruction to DHY students uh second through uh fifth grade. uh 50 students are accepted each instructional cycle uh where students take lessons from students and professional instructors on uh the CS Arts campus. Number two, CS Arts St. Gabriel Valley dance instructors also provide dance instruction to all DHY Unified School students via their PE programming on DUSD uh K8 uh school campuses. Um the annual uh CSR Sangerville Valley Fall Festival offers discover the arts workshops uh to local community families so that children of all ages can explore various art forms at their leisure. Um this is a real great way for DHY residents onto the CSA Arts uh campus to get to know uh the programming. Um, CS Arts Academy is a summer program open to families to register and pay for art instruction
036during the summer uh hours. Uh, these classes last one week each and so this is also another way for uh the students to be um the community to be involved. Um, uh, who is CS Arts? So, uh, California's School of the Arts, Sang Gri Valley is the fifth most diverse school in, um, LA County, uh, bringing students from across a 100 different cities in to DHY on a daily basis. About 300 to 350 students uh, uh, commute on uh, the metro line. Um, there are twommies that participate as part of the program. one at Maxwell and the other at Royal Oaks. Uh California the school of the arts is a nationally recognized and awardwinning school uh with early college program and there are 14 conservatories within the school of music uh school of dance school
037of theater and uh school of fine performing arts. So, um that gives a little bit of an overview of CS Arts. Um in terms of accomplishments, I we invite you to uh visit the students performances not only here in our community but throughout San Gabriel Valley. Um there are many programs uh performances throughout the school year including fall festival gayla season finale uh s uh senior exhibition spring showcase uh and then uh one uh performance that's going to be held tomorrow here at uh the pack center is final uh curtain which is part of uh the school of dance and these are graduating students that do uh solo performances and so when I first took on this role part of my uh commitment was to build and expand the partnership and so hopefully uh you
038know the idea is to provide some additional uh updates for today. Wanted to keep it you know uh informative light but uh nevertheless make ourselves available and uh appreciate uh everyone's support and appreciate that you've uh selected Genevie Venai to represent uh the interest of Dherty Unified School District. So, thank you so much. Thank you very much, Frank. And I I want to apologize that I did not recognize you as a former board member earlier in our meeting. So, I'm doing so now so that uh so that we can get that done. Uh so, thank you very much for for your presentation and the information that you passed along. Um board, do we have any questions or comments uh for Mr. Figareroa? Not not not comment. Well, a comment, but I just like to say
039thank you because I think that this is the first time that I hear kind of formal information for us. So, thank you. Yeah. Thank you. All right. Have a good night. Good night. All right. Thank you very much. Uh, all right. We can then move on to our second presentation this evening. Dr. Hillman. Yes. I'd like to invite up Mr. Morris. uh he's going to speak to us about do a presentation on Darti adult school graduation requirements that will be in the agenda later for approval. There's a new buddy for for you and me. So this thing goes up. Oh, there we go. Thanks. Thanks, Marcelo. It's a lot easier. Um, thank you board uh for allowing me to uh do this presentation here uh this evening. Uh I want to talk a little bit
040about the uh um action item that uh partly which you voted on last meeting um for the graduation requirements uh for adult debt. So this is for the adoption of the graduation requirement for 130 credits and I'll go through that entire uh scenario and and why it's important and how it helps with our adult students. Um this is with the community college uh partnership. So our graduation policy update would move the credits from 180 to 130. Um aligns with Monrovia, ISUSA, Vendora and Claremont as well who are part of our adult debt consortium. Um and supports SB554 which is a dual enrollment um initiative. Mr. Morris, could you speak into the microphone? They can't hear you. Oh, I'm sorry about that. Oh, there we go. I guess this didn't work. Um, can I use this
041one? This one. Hello. That's better. Yeah. Um, so our graduation policy update is 180 to 130 uh for credits. And this aligns with uh Monrovia, ISUSA, uh Glendor and Claremont, which is part of our consortium and supports SB554, which is an initiative uh the state passed a few years ago uh for dual enrollment for adults. Um and it also increases the flexibility and the student retention rate for our adult students. uh benefits of the credit reduction uh faster pathway to uh graduation uh dual enrollment with our community colleges and removes barriers for adult learners and also supports equity and economic mobility for our adults. Um these are what the current requirements are now. And what you'll notice is when you see the next slide is that we've removed uh a lot of the electives for
042the adults. Uh and also uh there's no requirement for physical education for adults for obvious obvious reasons. Um so you can go to the next slide and this is what we're proposing. Uh this is the state minimum for a uh diploma for the state of California. Uh we've kept uh all of our uh requirements for uh the core classes uh which is essential. Um and then also uh we still have 20 electives. But how that works is with SB554 the adults can take 11 credits per semester, no charge at the community college. And that's nice. that actually adds back up to almost the 180 to about 174 for the adults as opposed to the previous um uh recommendation for adult graduation requirement. Uh so it kind of balances out but the whole idea is to
043get them to metriculate from our program into the uh college you know program there and start taking courses that are more relevant as opposed to taking arts and some other classes that really don't help adults who have families and who have kids and have full-time jobs and are trying to move forward uh in their careers. and then questions. All right. Thank you very much. Uh, Mr. Morris, any questions from the board? I have a question, Mr. Morris. In order for them to qualify, um, what they have to be over 18 or how does that work? Yes, they would have to be over over 18. And then there are some other requirements as well. Like for example, um there was a question of what happens if someone from the high school wants to well number one
044they would have to complete their four years of high school or their enrolled high school year. So an high school student couldn't say oh I'm going to drop and get into the adult ed program. Also they would have to show a need for example full-time job family child any of those uh requirements would be part of it. And also there would be a series of uh meetings with myself the counselor to go through what the need is for that particular student. The average age of our of our students actually ranges from 25 to 58. So we're getting very rarely do we get any high school students that are coming in to recover and get their high school diploma. Um we get a lot of older adults that are coming in. And now that uh people
045have found out about our program, we've doubled our enrollment since uh since last year. And so, oh, thank you. Uh so, Mr. Morris, so is is sort of the intention of this is to allow them to have that dual enrollment so they can complete their and get their high school diploma, but then hopefully then carry on to the community college and complete like an associates degree. Is that sort of the intention? Absolutely. Absolutely. And as far as what's not mentioned on the slide also is the consortium that we participate in. Citrus is one of our partners. So it's actually the Citrus Citrus College Adult Ed Consortium is what it's called. Includes all the high school districts and then all of our districts are doing doing the same exact thing. Um and this has been a
046push since SB554. Excellent. All right. Any other questions from the board? I'm sorry. I have one more. How many um students do you currently have in that program? Uh I think we have 2728. Yeah, my boss is there. So yeah, 2728 and uh we actually have 12 that actually graduated this year and then we have six that are actually going to be going to be walking this year. Thank you. I have uh one question. If there's an adult who once upon a time went to high school and took some courses freshman year, sophomore year, are they able to transfer any of those in or does this program kind of start from scratch? They get to transfer those credits in. Absolutely. Thank you. Excellent. All right. Thank you very much, Mr. Morris. We appreciate the information.
047All right. Thank you. All right. So we'll now move on to the next item on our agenda which is report from our student board members. So please Priscilla take it away. Good evening everyone. It has been quite an exciting night today and I'm looking forward to speaking to you all today for the final time. It has been quite some time since we last met and much has happened since then. As we approach these final two weeks of school, it is bound to get busy. So, let's jump right in. The senior goodbye Toy Story spring rally was on April 17th. It was great to see our seniors, athletes, talk at top academic performers and prom court all get recognized. On April 19th, we had our midnight masquerade in real prom. It was such a magical night
048and the prom committee did a wonderful job putting it together. Open house was on April 23rd. Thank you all of those who came out and supported us. On May 1st, there was an academic awards night for our underassmen to get recognized for all of their accomplishments. On May 2nd, we had our preview day for all of our incoming 9th grade students. This was such an amazing opportunity for them to get a glimpse and see what high school is all about. Our cheerleaders cheered them on, drum line and wintergard performed for them. ASB gave them interactive tours. They saw booths of all of our clubs and sports we had on campus. and they got to explore the elective classrooms. It was such an amazing day and a great experience. If I was an incoming nth grader,
049then I would be super excited to go to high school. Um, and a big thank you to Mr. Ernest for making this event possible. The week of April 28th through May 2nd, we had our Clash Spirit Week, a week that gives students to students to represent their class with pride. Our hallways were decorated by our classes. It was so fun to look at in their creativity and see what they can do when they come together. On the night of May 2nd, we had our Clash rally. This was the last opportunity for our students to compete and give it their all. And the winner of the CL of Clash, of course, was the seniors, the class of 2025. Clash is my personal favorite event of the year. What I love about Clash is how it brings
050together our students. It's amazing to see everyone proud to wear and represent their class color with pride. On May on May 5th, we had our taco stand to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and students had the opportunity to buy taco plates. On May 7th, we had decision day. This is where our seniors celebrate their decisions and the next steps they are taking after graduation. This was an there was an amazing raffle for our seniors with prizes such as an iPad, a TV, mini fridge, Chromebooks, and much more. It was really cool. I didn't win though. It was a great event and thank you to Miss Low for planning it. On May 10th, we had our second annual wellness fair. It was such a fantastic event filled with engaging booths, arts and crafts, fun games, and valuable
051wellness resources. Thank you to Miss Hall and Miss Gabby for organizing this meaningful event. On May 13th, uh, five of our seniors were honored as ML MVL, which is an award given to these students from the Mont View League for athletic and academic su success. So, there were five seniors that were picked for this award. And so, congratulations to Alex, Chris, Miley, Alyssa, and Crystal. On selective days next week, we will have our Pride store open. Students have earned points all year long through school events uh by attending school events, participating and good behavior. And now it's their chance to cash in those points and earn their prizes. On May 23rd, DHY Jazz Band will be hosting their Jazz by Moonlight concert at 700 p.m. Tickets are $25 at the door. So that's always a
052really cool event, so make sure to come to that. And then next week, our seniors will be spending the week checking out of school. The following week will be finals for our students with the last day of school being May 30th. And then we will have our senior sunset. Well, that that will be on May 27th. We will have like a senior breakfast recognitions and awards on the morning of May 28th. And then grad night will be on the night of May 28th at Universal Studios. And then graduation of course will be on May 30th. And then so to our sports, our athletics, track had a great season. The following people qualified for CIF. It was Jan Wade for discus, Miley Nunes for shot put, and Adrien Yep for high jump. They unfortunately didn't get
053knocked out, but we're really proud that they made it to CF. Swim finished third in league. They performed great in prelims and finals, and we are proud of what they accomplished this season. Boys tennis went undefeated with a 10-0 record. They qualified for team CF, but unfortunately they were knocked out. Um, Sage, I'm not sure. I think it's Romeo qualified for singles and won first overall. And then Carlos Mendoza and Jenner Marcos qualified for doubles and won second overall in the league. We love seeing tennis compete. Boys volleyball finished with a league with a five and five record, placing third. Congratulations to them for qualifying for CIF for the first time in DHI history. Although they lost, we are beyond proud. Baseball finishes finished league with an eight and seven record placing third. They qualified
054for CIF for the first time in 12 years and it's the first home game in 20 years. Tomorrow their game will be hosted here or at the baseball field at 700 p.m. Wishing them the best of luck. And then softball finished league with an undefeated record of 10 and0. They placed first in league today was their round one CIF game and they won with an exciting game. And round two will be this Saturday. The score for today's game was 7-2. The the end of the school year is right around the corner. So many things to look forward to and I can't wait. The school year this school year has definitely been one for the books. As I conclude my final speech for tonight, I feel a mix of emotions. Being a student board member was
055something I never planned to do, but when it came time for me to step into this role, I knew I would fulfill it to the best of my ability. Leading up to every meeting, I always got so excited to go talk to people and find out what's going on around campus, and it just gave me an excuse to be more involved. These meetings became routine for me, and I loved being able to be a part of all of this with all of you. Being a voice for others and speaking on behalf of my school has been incredible. I can definitely say that saying goodbye to the student board member in me is challenging. Thank you all of you, the board of trustees and Dr. Helman and Mercedes and all of you. um for this opportunity
056and my mom and dad for always taking me. It has been my pleasure to serve as the DHY High School student board member. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you very very much, Priscilla. That was an excellent report as always. And as as hard as it is for you to say goodbye, we feel it's five times harder. So, uh, we really appreciate everything you've done, uh, over the last two years. Um, it's really been an honor to have you up here on the dis with us. Uh, all right. I think we can move. And sorry, did any other um board members want to say anything? We'll we'll of course have time later, but if you wanted to save it till the end. Okay. All right. Sounds good. Okay. So, I think we can now move on then
057to our superintendence report. Well, thank you. Good evening, everybody. board members and colleagues and community members tonight. We have our usual important business that we're going to be attending to, but I I want to do take a moment to acknowledge the really thoughtful preparation that has gone into this meeting. Um the board has really asked great questions in advance and our staff has worked diligently to provide the necessary information and clarifications and I'm confident you're well equipped to make those sound decisions this evening. Um, we've also earlier had the pleasure of honoring so many incredible students. Uh, I think time really well spent. Um, and and being able to bring to life all the good work that happens up here as a board member and and honoring our student board members as well. Um, always
058a good reminder of the the reason why we do all this work. Um, none of these celebrations or accomplishments have been possible without the dedication and the heart of all of our employees. Um, as we recognize this week the day of the teacher and next week classified school employee week, we want to express our deep appreciation to the essential role they play in the success of our students and schools. So, culminating events, I know we've talked about a bunch of them already, are well underway from graduations and promotions and awards ceremonies and CIF playoffs and more. I just want to especially highlight um this Saturday we have the student film festival uh happening uh 3 pm at the pack. It's a red carpet celebration of original films that are produced by our students at Beardsley
059High School and MIT. And then next Friday and Priscilla mentioned it too is that uh the Jazz by Moonlight event. Really great event. It's on May 23rd at 7 PM. Um, very popular and and come and enjoy dinner and some incredible music by our own musicians as well as renowned saxoponist Jeff Elwood and the Cal Cal State U Fullerton jazz combo. We hope that people many people in the community can participate as well. So, as we look for ahead to the summer, we're excited to welcome hundreds of students into our enrichment and our enrichment programs. These offerings include robotics, art, English and math enrichment, credit recovery for some and early college opportunities. We have internships all designed to keep our students learning, growing, and engaged in fun and meaningful ways. So, thank you for um
060participating tonight. And that concludes my report for tonight. Thank you very much, Dr. Hillman. Uh next, we'll move on to request to address the board. I see at least a couple of yellow cards up here. So if we can get that started please. Absolutely. So I will invite Sherry Johnson up to the board up to the mic microphone. You have three minutes. See your time to Heather. Heather Mesner. Miss Mezner, are you coming up? Sorry. I'm so sorry. So, you're se you're seating your time to Miss Mezner. Says six minutes. Very loud. Like these mics are loud. Bring it down. We can't We can't hear you. Lower it. Thank you. Okay. Good evening board. My name is Heather Mesner and I am a teacher at Royal Oaks and Beardsley. Um, in fact, my students help
061produce those films that you're going to see this Saturday. Um, I'm also the Darty Unified Education Association president and I have some words of wisdom. Priorities. You can't put students first if you put teachers last. These words are true and they appear on a sign held tonight by a new teacher at Royal Oaks who is also taught by many teachers in the district. She now works alongside many Royal Oaks teachers that taught her. She might be one of five teachers that leave in the next two years. Just tonight, another school psychologist resigned. Not surprising because historically we have a difficult time holding on to our service providers with a high turnover year after year. I've said this before and I'll say it again. A district's budget is a reflection of a district's values. I'm here
062to tell you that right now the priorities are way off. Let me point out some data. DUSD kept more money in the bank from than comparable districts, the second highest in the region with 51%. The average is 27%. I can't understand this. Public tax dollars are meant to fund classrooms, not sit in the bank. The USD special reserve fund 17 at separate at second inter interim report 15% of the budget over 9.6 million is sitting in a special reserve. It increased from first interim of 9 million. The approved adopted budget for this reserve was 1.6 million. This is a reserve in addition to the required 3% reserve. Let's look at another category. Services, lawyers, contractors, and consultants. GSD spends significantly higher expenses on consultants, contractors, and other services at 20 p 21%. The average is
06312.5. The percentage of our budget that goes to certificated salary is declining over the years. Comparatively speaking, GSD spends 32% on the salaries when the average district spends 34%. Health and welfare, the average district spends 9.5 total outgoing on health and welfare. USD spends 5% and ranks the lowest of our comparables. Interestingly enough, upper management salary is double than the average in the state and ranks among the highest among our compatibles, higher than much larger districts like Alhamra, Pasadena, and Baldwin Park. It's time to place all the stakeholders at the table when these budgets are created. It's time to budget for your educators first, for your students first. Board, if the district is failing to do this, it falls back on you. Thank you. Thank you. Luca Ramos. Good evening, Luca. You have three minutes.
064Thank you. My name is Luca Ramos and I'm a current student at I'm a current sophomore at CS Arts here in Darte and the president of the CS Arts chapter of Civic Leaders of America, a studentrun social and political activism nonprofit. I come before the board today to express the importance of the proposal that you may have received earlier today titled reproductive resources in DUSD high schools. An abstract of the proposal is as follows. in an effort to supplement the primarily female and LGBTQIA plus reproductive resources that have been restricted by the signature of executive orders by the President of the United States and the passage of restrictive legislation by the United States Congress. The members of the CS Arts S SGV chapter of Civic Leaders of America proposed to the board a list of
065local trustworthy nonpartisan medical reproductive resources and information to be posted in nurses offices of high schools in the Diart Unified School District. According to US News, 49% of the population of DUSD students are female. According to the UCLA Williams Institute, LGBTQIA plus students make up approximately 10% of teens in California public schools. The massive cuts made to national reproductive resources, such as the deletion of reproductive rights.gov and large amounts of CDC health resources have the potential to fuel an already rampant STD and teen pregnancy epidemic, heavily affecting the youth today. Unfortunately, the most basic health and protection of youth across our country have been shaped into issue issues of politics. And although the rights and freedoms of the student of this dis of the students in this district has sworn that this board has sworn
066to protect are being threatened, this proposal would allow students to find trusted reproductive health resources around Dwarte without judgment, putting a safeguard in place for future changes caused by the current administration. Now, I'd like to make it very clear that this proposal is not a final solution, but a way to defer the effects of detrimental changes to sexual health and education in the United States and in turn California. It is clear to me and many of my classmates I have spoken to that this is a necessary change to move to protect ourselves from the threat of increasing restrictions to reproductive healthcare resources. In a time like this, it somehow always remains unclear what the next steps forwards are. And as we enter a new era where students are forced to decide their own rights in
067the face of attempts to take them away, there is a path forward for the lives and safety of current and for future students alike. While this proposal cannot answer cannot be the answer to defunding public resources, it is a step towards protecting the students from false information, spread of disease and the spread of stigma around sexual health. This proposal would be a step towards taking DUSD school, making DUSD schools a safe haven from the unfortunate times in which we now live and would allow students to have the ability to choose their own care and receive accurate information. I urge you all to heavily consider this proposal and I thank you for your time. Thank you, Changqing. Sha Shang Shang, Sean Lee. Good evening sir. You have three minutes. Yeah sure. Uh thank you very much
068uh to offer this great opportunity and it's a real pleasure to be here. Uh to be honest I didn't expect this evening to be so happy as so the energy of from all the students uh myself is a a teacher as well. So I can definitely feel they have bright future unlimited possibilities. So happy about that. I'm here uh representing the future academy uh to propose a collaboration between us and dert to reinforce, develop and uh improve our education on robotics and AI because uh we all know robotics and AI are developing really fast. uh I did a survey with uh over 400 students and over 90% of the students already had some idea or had used at least the ones of AI but their lack of systematic education and knowledge about how to use
069that tool how to effectively and efficiently use that tool not to mention robotics itself it's getting not only on the manufacturing lines but also more and more involved in our daily life. So um given this you know fast blowing uh development I think many countries including China uh including you know Hong Kong including Japan, Korea uh they are all developing their own uh AI and robotics education systems. In China they require certain uh hours dedicated every week for uh robotics and AI education. Uh Israel developed their own education for elementary and also uh Germany you name it you know basically all the you know countries around the world are considering adding that. Uh so luckily uh late in April our white house made the announcement to uh have a executive order for advancing the AI
070education for American youth is on the web white house uh web page. So uh we as you know the expert in education uh would like to collaborate with you to uh you know reinforce that. Uh a little bit background about myself uh I graduate from MIT you know a little bit far not not here uh around Boston area. uh about 25 years ago uh from mechanical engineering with a PhD degree and then uh I had over 20 years of industry uh experience and then in recent six years I started more and more to involved in uh education field and I currently I'm a teacher I also teach private school robotics and AI uh I also develop curriculums for robotics and AI uh so uh very luckily Uh we are currently you know uh having summer
071camps having uh after schools programs to encourage students uh to team up do more teamwork do uh you know develop more critical thinking uh do more robotics competition uh do you know uh based on different robotics and AI platforms. Uh I I do think you know have the philosophy I want our American students uh to be able to lead in the future world. Uh not only you know uh be able to use it but also be able to develop their skills of critical thinking, develop our skills of problem solving, develop their skills of collaboration, uh develop their skills of interdisiplinary uh learning. uh because you know uh for for the projects so we are designing um not only you know robotics are need knowledge are needed but also mathematics sometimes even chemicals uh let's say
072if we launch a rocket do the rocket competition we definitely need some knowledge about that so um later on I think uh my colleague will be able to illustrate just some of the systems we develop but uh We have the four spectrum from K to 12. Thank you very much. Thank you. And Mr. Jiang, I'll bring you up now. You have three minutes. We'll need you to speak in the mic, please. Thank you. Sure. Uh good evening everyone. Very nice talking to you. Uh basically, we provide AI and robotics uh education uh to the younger generation. Our mission is to basically prepare the younger generation for the future. It's going to be greatly driven by technologies. Basically our holistic uh solution integrated seamlessly the hardware and software namely the robot kits and coding and also
073AI algorithms uh into K to2 curricula and also um basically we customize the course and also the education tools for different age group. So for example for the uh K25 um they will be more using the block based programming language uh they progress they are going to use some uh language uh the the graphic uh language and eventually in high school they're going to do the script like Python or C coding and also the kid uh they're going to use also evolves uh when they are young they will be more using like some Lego like robots and they should one of the type um you know it's uh when it came in it's not like a one integrated robot it's actually just the blocks the motors the sensors the battery and also the cable harness
074and actually kids learn how to put them together and even with this one kit you can generate six different versions of the robot you know this is just a quadripad robot uh you know just you know uh they can basically do easy programming and uh learn how it move [Music] around and can do different postures. Learn how to how to basically command the little dog to do different, you know, behavior. Yeah. So, this is a funny one. Maybe you can take a look. Yeah. So uh so basically through this whole progressive education program uh we want to improve their skills in STEM and robotics and coding. Uh not not only that we also want to um encourage them to do more critical thinking, analytical thinking. uh along the way they can also cultivate their skills
075in communication teamwork because they um you know advance their their skill sets. They're going to be more and more advanced robotic projects which involves a lot of teamwork. So we hope to uh prepare the American students to be in the more competitive AI and robotic uh era coming towards us. Yeah, that's uh the information I'd like to share with all of you. Thank you for your attention. Thank you, Steve Hernandez. Good evening. Good evening to all of you and uh it's almost over for you. Um I wanted to speak on uh primarily one of the topics that comes up every year and it's one that I've experienced for 30 to 40 years and that is our teachers complaining about their salaries. And granted, I think there's more to the story than either side really knows,
076but you know, what's always been in my mind has been that, you know, when uh COVID came around, we had a lot of first responders defined as such as the heroes of what was going on. Um, but you've also seen this in just about everything in every field that we have, whether it be science, whether it be, you know, culture or anything else. But the bottom line is the one thing that in this country has never been recognized is that there's not a person on this planet that's been taught by other than a teacher. That's a fact. Yet in this country, that's probably a minimal concern. And that's how it's been demonstrated. Even the calculations that are used to determine their salaries and their benefits are based on 50s or 40s. ideals because they're those
077ideals just don't exist anymore. I also noticed that on the other side, teachers have a lot more power than they think they have. And my generation proved that because we were the ones that basically got rid of the draft, forced an end of a war that nobody wanted, and you know, we showed it could be done. But they have teachers in every state. And if they all united and they all got their constituents to vote with them, they could actually change what Washington thinks by putting the right people in there. They can do the same thing with our legislators. By putting the right people in there, and that's really what it's going to take for them to get what they want. And that's a reality. On the other hand, you know, I was shown on
078the way in the statistics they had that basically showed how they're the lowest and such things, but there's one thing they left out of there, and that is how many students each of those schools had versus how many we have and how much we have versus how much those other schools have. And you can't compare. But I do feel that at some point we got to find a cure to this thing because they are underpaid there. There's no doubt about that. But there is one thing that this school district can do and it's not doing and that is communicate. And that's what I see missing. I I see a lot of numbers come out. I see a lot of explanations come out. What we need is a reality of explaining exactly what monies come in
079from the state or from the feds, how they are allocated, how much can be spent on what, what can be taken from point A and given to point B in the budget, and you know, basically the basics, the very basics because we're having issues and we got to get them fixed. Thank you, Andrea Grim. Good evening. You have three minutes. All right. Good evening, DSD community. Thank you very much. My name is Andrea Grim and I am the mother of Eliza Rico and Justin Rico, both students at uh Darty High School. So, I got to have a really nice lunch with Dr. Hillman a few weeks ago at the CTA Superintendence Lunch, and I talked her ear off, and she was so sweet and gracious. She didn't yawn once. Um, but it was actually one
080of the best conversations that I've had all year. And the reason is because I had the opportunity to tell her how amazing this district is. I teach in Baldwin Park at Sierra Vista High School and I love it. I've been there for 26 years. But even at that, this school district, I love it even more. Valley View top-notch. Royal Oaks was also great. And Darty High School was pretty amazing. And a big shout out to uh principles Haro and to Ernest for their leadership. My kids have had opportunities beyond others at other districts, especially my favorite. And the opportunity that I feel is the most amazing program is the district track meet. But even more than the amazing opportunities and experiences they've had, the most amazing part of this journey for them have been their
081teachers, counselors, and the school staff. I am also the president of the teachers union in Baldwin Park. I've been on negotiations the last 13 years. I know the ins and outs of how budgets work, ongoing costs, one-time funding, all the things. I know money is tight and the future looks tighter, but you have the money to take care of your people. It's your people that make this district especially special. The teachers deserve a real raise. You're on pace to end the year with an ending fund balance of $18.5 million, which is $1.2 million more than you expected in your board approved operating budget from interim one. When looking at costs and raises, you can look at the cost of 1% for your teaching unit. That's going to be $212,000. So, a 3% raise would be
082almost $640,000. The additional $1.2 million you have beyond what you expected could fund your raise and still leave you with a little over um $640,000 left. And with that, you can give your classified unit and your administrative unit 3% and still have $220,000 left beyond what you expected in your approved operating budget. You need to spend these things on your most important resources, which are your teachers and your staff. It won't leave you destitute. Your expected reserve will still be over $21.5 million, which is 33% reserve. As a parent, I really love this district and I'm so glad my kids go here. As a community member, I can say that our district really is the heart of our kids' lives. Our community values DUSD and we need you to please reflect those values at the
083heart of your district which is your teachers and your staff because they deserve a legitimate contract. Thank you so much. I appreciate the extra beeps. Have a good night. Thank you Andrea and Jessica Lopez. You have three minutes. Good evening. I'm incredibly uncomfortable addressing my neighbors, my former supervisor, my supervisors, and my colleagues all at once. But if that student can get up here, I need to um draw some courage from them. I was not planning to speak, so please bear with me. Um I am here before you as a candidate for national board certification for middle child generalist. I'm the first teacher in the district to pursue that. It is an honor that only 3% of the nation's teachers um have acquired. So I am on track for that. I have also um recruited
084several of my colleagues to pursue that and that is in partnership with Stanford University. I'm part of their support program and that is funded through CTA which is paid for by our teacher dues. Um currently I am a fourth grade teacher at Royal Oaks. I serve 27 children there and their families. um including five special ed students and five English language learners. As of at today, uh my students have read 505 books through Accelerated Reader. That is not including the books that are not tracked in Accelerated Reader, have read over 1,87,4 800 746 words. Um, in addition to this being my first year at Royal Oaks, I also served as the track coach for Royal Oaks. Prior to that, I served at DHY High School for two years. As a senior class adviser, I advised
085190 students and developed the collegebound program that you've seen all over social media and those t-shirts. Um, I acquired the funding for that and the distribution for that. Um, I served as a swim adviser where we um taught some students who had never had to swim. Um, we also have some of our former swimmers who are serving in the Marines, serving our country. Along with Mr. Mayor, I started the finance club and we were the adviser. You saw some of our students here who are going on to UCSD and other universities. And I was the DUA high school director uh in which we awarded five scholarships, a total of $2,000 to our graduates last year during those during so this is my fourth year in the district. Um, for the first three I served as
086a TK through eighth grade independent study program teacher. I'm also a Quanis member where I have collaborated with CS Arts staff members uh including assistant principal Matoyer and our um Melissa, our other charter school partnership as well. During my time at the high school, I was a district track coordinator. I served on the science adoption committee helping to acquire the discovery science and I was originally hired as an independent study teacher. I have worked on the Beardsley campus toward high school campus and the Royal Oaks campus. I have taught summer school, fourth grade through 8th grade art and fourth and fifth grade ELA. Again, I've only been here four years. Um, prior to working here, I also served on the reopening committee during COVID, schoolside council, and PTO member. Those are my professional accolades. And
087really, I'm up here because my colleagues have a much longer list of contributions that they've made over these years. They're too humble to get up here and highlight them. It's much longer. And I am standing on their shoulders. And I want to say thank you because my daughter was accepted to UC Berkeley and that is because of these amazing individuals. So thank you. Thank you Jessica. Mr. President, that concludes our public comment. All right. Thank you very much. All right. We will now move on to general functions. Uh first and foremost, we will do the approval of the minutes from the special meeting of March 31st, 2025. Do I have a motion to approve those minutes? So move. Second. Motion by board member Reyes, second by board member Hogin. Is there any discussion? Seeing none,
088I I wasn't at that meeting, so I'll abstain from the vote. Thank you very much, Dr. Hasso. All right. Uh so um I guess we can take our vote. So all those in favor of the approval say I. I. I. I. And so that will be four in favor and one abstain. Next we have the approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of April 17th, 2025. Do I have a motion to approve? So move. Second. Motion by Mr. Reyes. Second by board member Diaz. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. That passes 5. Next, we'll move on to the approval of the consent calendar. Uh, does anyone have uh anyone want to remove any item of the consent calendar for separate discussion or action? Yes, I'd like to remove
089uh 19. 19. Any others? Mr. Reyes? which is ethnic studies. Okay. Is that all, Mr. Reyes? Yes. Okay. Thank you. Any any other uh items to remove board? All right. So, we had an objection uh from board member Reyes to the approval of the consent calendar with the inclusion of item 19. um those items that are left uh or those will be considered for separate uh action later. So is there a motion to approve the consent calendar with the exception of item number 19? So moved. Second. Motion by Mr. Reyes, second by Missin. All those in favor say I. I. I. All right. That passes 5. So now we will consider item number 19. Do I have a motion to approve this item? So moved. Second. Motion by board member Reyes, second by board member
090Diaz. Any discussion, board? Yes. Dr. Hillman, how long have we been working on this? And is this a mandatory a mandated course? And um where are we at with it today? Absolutely. And when does it start? Absolutely. Thank you. I can't I can't see Dr. Lawson's face, so I'm gonna toss it over to Dr. Lawson as this is um an item in ed services and then I'll go ahead fill in anything from there. So the high school has been working on I believe for two years they working with the UCLA and developing the ethnic studies course. Um so it has to go it is a law that's going into effect um incoming freshman's in year 2627 those students will need to take one semester as a graduation requirement. So, every school district in the state
091of California has to do this. Yes. It's mandated. Yes. Okay. And so, there's still um a little bit of work that needs to be done before they bring it here to the board for final approval and they need a little more time and then it'll be ready. And do we know what it's going to look like yet? Is this like one class? Is this six class? What What So, it's one semester. It's a one semester course and um if you're asking if there going to be multiple sections, I'm not really sure at this time. That's really going to depend on our staffing and our master schedule and all of those pieces. So, it will be a part of the master schedule, but exactly how many sections, I'm not sure at this time. So, just so
092just one semester, yes, is what's going to be a requirement to graduate? Yes. Okay. Yes. Thank you. You're welcome. All right. Uh, any more discussion, board? If not, we'll go ahead and vote on this item. All those in favor say, "I." I. I. All right. That passes 5. All right. Next is the construction and modernization project updates for May 2025. We're just receiving that for information. So, we encourage the community to take a look at that update. Next we have the first reading of board policies. Do I have a motion to approve? So second motion by board member Diaz, second by board member Hasso. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. I. Next is the second reading uh and approval of the board policies. Do I have a motion to
093approve? So move. Second motion by board member Diaz, second by board member Holin. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. It's 5 and passes. Next, we have a declaration of need for fully qualified educators for 2025 through 2026. So, I have a motion to approve. So, move. Second. Motion by board member Reyes, second by board member Hasso. Any discussion? Question. Dr. Hillman, what is this? Can this be explained a little more thoroughly, please? Absolutely. I'll ask Mr. Crosby as this is in personnel to fill in the blanks here. Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Helman and board. This is a routine item that we do every year uh going into the the next school year. what um there are times that we have to hire when we do not have uh
094sufficient applicants for uh positions that are um hard to hire positions and that we would have to hire someone that is on an emergency permit or that they are an intern status and that this declaration of need allows us. um we cannot hire still anyone that is not fully credentialed um unless we don't have any viable candidate that is fully credential. So we have to always hire first a fully credentialed teacher. But there are times when we've had to hire someone that is not fully credential. They're an intern status or they're on an emergency permit. And going into next year, if we did not do this um uh resolution today, then we would not be able to do that next year. Thank you. All right. Thank you very much, Mr. Crosby. Any other discussion, board?
095All right. Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. All right. Moving on to resolution number 224-24-25 uh which is terminating services of certificated employee as a result of reduction or discontinuation of particular kinds of service. Do I have a motion to approve? So move second. Motion by board member Diaz, second by board member Reyes. Is there any discussion? Board seeing none. All those in favor say I. I. I passes 50. Next, educational services 15.1 the Darty Education Graduation Requirements. Sorry, adult education graduation requirements which Mr. Morris spoke about. Do I have a motion to approve? So move. Second. Motion by board member Diaz, second by board member Hasso. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I I passes 50. Uh 15.2. This is the dyslexia screening approved instrument.
096Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Motion by board member Hasso, second by board member Holggin. Is there any discussion board? Yes. Uh Dr. Hillman, would you elaborate on this, please? Absolutely. Dr. Long, is this And is this new? Is this This is new. It is part of a new law. I'll let Dr. Lawson uh speak to it a little bit, but um she'll elaborate more. Yes. So, it is a law. Um we do have to adopt a screener by June of 25 to be to go into effect in the fall. Um we will be screening K through 2 grade students. All K through 2 grade students will be screened for to look for challenges or difficulties in reading. So it says dyslexia is screener but we cannot formally diagnose dyslexia. So
097we look for diff students look for factors that determine if a student is at high risk for reading difficulties. So K through two. Um it does require parent consent. We will notify information. Parents will receive a copy of the report of what the assessment says and the information will be used to diagnose reading difficulties and then provide additional supports for students to so we can address those issues issues early on. And so who are these people that are doing the screening? So we are adopting a mirror. It is a screening tool. Um it is an an online tool. Um and so the teachers will it's it will take place in the classroom and it will um so the teachers will be a part of that screening and they will go take use the mirrors online.
098So is this like is this going to be one-on-one or multiple students at one time on the computer. So this one could be up to it could it just depends on the on the way the class is managed because it's online. So it's not a teacher sitting one-on-one with the student. Students are on a device. teachers will monitor students as they're working. And so there were four options to choose from on the list. And this one was the one that allowed us to maximize the amount of time it took to screen students so they were not, you know, using a screener that takes like six hours per student. So it takes about 20 minutes per students to administer the screening and it can be done with multiple students at a time. Now is there funding
099for this? There is funding for it. Yes. and we have received that and it will be applied to cover the cost for the screener. Oh, great. Thank you. You're welcome. And Dr. Lawson, also with this, so so you had me or you had mentioned that this is not designed to diagnose just to go ahead and identify people that maybe are at risk. So when when and if an a student is identified, are are they then referred to someone who can diagnose? So what happens is once the student is screened and just to note we did pilot it with some of our classrooms here. So some of our teachers actually did trials. So once the student is administered the assessment the results will come in and determine if the student is a risk factor. So high,
100medium or low. And so if the student comes in as a high factor for um reading um difficulties, a plan will then go into in effect to address the needs of the students similar to what we do now when we are assessing students at the beginning of the year or throughout the year and we determine that a student is having some difficulties. Um we would implement a student study team review or the MTSS process. So we would look at the particular student, identify some interventions to put in place, track the implementation of those interventions, track the student's progress. If the student is responding to the interventions, we will continue with um providing those supports. If we see that a student is not responding and they're continue to have difficulties, we would kind of follow the
101same process that we take now. We're looking at the MTSS and the SST process. So, it's not a tool to diagnose kids for special education, but if we see that a kid has high risk factors and once we've implemented a plan of action, and we're not seeing any improvement, the information can go as data to support a recommendation if that's what we feel needs to be done. All right. Thank you very much, Dr. Lawson. You're welcome. Uh, any other questions or comments from the board? All right. Seeing none, we'll go ahead and vote. All those in favor say I. I I I. Passes 50. Uh, next is program offerings for summer school 2025. We're just receiving that for information. Next, we'll move on to 16.1. This is resolution 20-24-25 temporary interfund cash borrowing resolution for
102the 2025 2026 school year. Do I have a motion to approve? So move. Second. Motion by board member Diaz, second by board member Gin. Any discussion? Uh, yes. Go ahead, Mr. What is the reason for borrowing this amount of money? Because I think it said at $4 million when we're sitting on quite a bit of money right now. Yes. I'll have um Miss Bell explain why we do these resolutions. So these are resolutions that we bring every year. So we'll have in place in case we have to use them. The first um item resolution 202425 the temporary inner fund is borrowing um between funds because as you know the school's revenue does not come in at one particular time. It comes in at different periods of times but while we're still spending money. So if
103we have to borrow from fund one, say if the cafeteria fund, if we had to do something like that, this is in place. So we would be able to do that. Are are we paying interest on this money? No, it's our money. We're borrowing between funds. This this this is allowing us to do that. That's what you're saying. This Okay. Okay. This one I get now is between funds. So fund one, fund 15, we don't have a 15. fund 12, fun 13. This allows us to do that to do this and so we put it in place in case we have to come to you and broad. Thank you. You're welcome. All right. Uh any other questions, board? All right. Seeing none, we'll go ahead and vote. All those in favor say I. I. I.
104Passes 5. Next is resolution 21-24-25 cash borrowing resolution from schools pools fund Los Angeles County Treasur for the 2025 2026 school year. Do I have a motion to approve? So moved. Second. Motion by board member Reyes, second by board member Diaz. Any discussion board? Yes. So how does this one work? This one is through the county where we actually go to LEO and borrow money. And this does have interest. Okay. And it would be called a trans. And the last time we did this was in 1920. Not the year 1920. The fiscal year 1920. I I I get you. Wow. You're like, "Wow." Wow. You're old. I know nothing about that. Okay. Thank you. You're welcome. Excellent. Okay. Uh any other discussion, board? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I I uh that
105passes 5. Next is an agreement with NV5 environmental to provide hazardous material surveying testing. Did you skip number three? Yes, I did. I did skip number three. I was just seeing if anyone was paying attention. All righty. Uh so this is the year end appropriation transfers for the 2425 school year. Do I have a motion to approve? So move. Second. Motion by board member Diaz, second by board member Reyes. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. Passes 50. All right. Now on to the agreement with NV5 environmental to provide hazardous materials surveying, testing, abatement plan and monitoring services for the Beardsley dual language academy and Mount Olive innovation and technology continuation high school relocation and modernization project. I really appreciate you guys not waiting till I finish reading that to
106call me back to the previous item. So thank you. Uh so do I have a motion to approve? So move second. Motion by board member Diaz, second by board member Hasso. Any discussion board? Yes. Go ahead, Mr. Reyes. Yes. Um I want to know why we have Mount Olivan here when uh Dr. Hillman had mentioned to us that now it's going to be over budget. Uh, so we have to look at other options because um I think it said something like $18 million and I and I think originally it was supposed to only be 10 million for Mount Olive. Correct me if I'm wrong. Um, so I don't understand why we're approving this part and not just keeping it Beardsley. And then also in here it talks about working on the high school the start
107date. Okay. In the attachment and um it doesn't reflect that that we're working on the high school. So something needs to be uh clarified here. Okay. Please. Thank you. I will ask Miss Bell to clarify. Yeah. Okay. So I'm going to break this down in pieces. Um, Mr. President, I'm not sure if I can speak on the other contracts within this, the 16.4, five, and six, because they all kind of tie in together. Yeah, I I think it's okay. I mean, they're they're linked to one another, and it might help clarify the the future ones. So, I think it's fine to go ahead and keep those kind of spoken about together. Okay. So, that's the way I'll do it. So, keep in mind that these items were bid under one RFP. The RFP included Beardsley,
108MIT and the high school baseball fields, not the high school as a structure because we have to put the baseball fields back. So the project was taken under this particular project. So it's Beersley, MIT and the high school baseball fields. So the project was bid as all three. It was called the relocation project. So no matter what we do with MIT, we still have to do certain things. There's still certain tests you have to make. no matter where we put them because we don't know where we put them. So the the project itself is all three. The budget was set for $25 million. The $10 million that you're referring to is the last draw of the bond measure S that we spoke about and that should be paying June 2nd. We just closed with the
109A1 rating. Um but you're saying 25 million for all of it? Yes, sir. Okay. Okay. So, let me I'm trying to explain to you the 18 million that you stated. So, 10 million was taken out of measure S for this June bid that we just did. And if you remember, we came in December, I believe, and we had just done a a bond draw for $18 million off the $79 million bond. That is measure S. So, measure I'm sorry, the 8 million was taken from E and closed E out. So, we needed another 10. So that was what we had the $18 million and whatever left we have from the project that we've already started the sports complex is what we would use for the difference to equal $25 million. You understand? No. Okay. Measure
110E, we took the last draw for $8 million. Then we just and that was in December. We just closed we we we sold the bonds I think today. Um, and that was going to bring us another $10 million. So 8 and 10 is 18. The project cost is about $25 million. So we knew that. So we took the end of E and took eight from that and took some of S and took 10 from that. So that's 18. But we still have money in S from the other draws that we have already taken to build the sports complex. So, we were looking at about 7 million in reserve from that. So, 18 + 7 is 25. Okay. But you're not answering me about Mount Olive. Why is it still in here when we're not going
111to do the project? That's so the project name RF the RFP that went out and that the board approved was for Beardsley, MIT, and DHS. That's the project. Okay. So it's not the location, it's the project. So MIT is a part of the project. They have to move somewhere. We're not sure where they're moving to as of yet. Again, why do they have to move? Okay. That's not Well, that's not part of No, but No, but it should be because there there's a community neighborhood around Anderson Wardy that doesn't want any of that happening there. Okay. Well, that's a different question. What? No, but that's why I'm asking why is it in here? The board item is the project, the relocation project with the three name sites. That's your question. That's the answer to that.
112Everything else is extra. That's a different thing. Thank you. You're welcome. And so if now if we're talking about what NV is, that's the environmental testing for any hazardous materials. Ninum will do all the testing. And so what we wanted to make sure is that we always just kind of say soil testing, but it's also structural testing, concrete, the the welding, the steel, and things like that. So that's part of it. And then Tyr is the inspector of record for the project of the relocation, Beersley, MIT, and the baseball fields. And if I may, with the all of these, we are only using them as needed, right? So given what the project scope of the project is, if it changes, then we would only use as much as we needed. When they bill, they say
113Beardsley Dirt, MIT Dirt, whatever it is we're using. So just because MIT's name is in the, like I said, it's not the location, it's the project. So whatever they use and whatever they invoice, the invoice will say what the what the job was in this project. All right. Thank you very much, Miss Bell. Uh, any other questions or comments from, uh, specifically about this agreement with NV5? All right. Uh, so we have a motion and a second. Uh, we'll go ahead and vote. All those in favor say I. I. I. I. Any opposed? Yes. All right. This passes for one. Next, we have our agreement with Nino and Moore to provide specialty inspection and materials testing services and geotechnical observation services during construction for Beardsley Dual Language Academy and Mount Olive innovation and technology continuation
114high school relocation and modernization project. Do I have a motion to approve? So move. Second. Motion by board member Diaz, second by board member Hogin. Is there any discussion? Seeing none, we'll go ahead and vote. All those in favor say I. I. I. I. I. Any opposed? Yes. Just to be clear, Mr. That's a Okay. Thank you. So, that passes 41. Next. agreement with Tyr inspection services to provide inspector of record services during construction uh for the Beardsley Dual Language Academy and Mount Olive Innovation and Technology Continuation High School Relocation and Modernization Project. Do I have a motion to approve? So move. Second. Motion by board member Gene, second by board member Hasso. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I I Any opposed? I oppose. Thank you. Motion carries. 41. Next,
115we have amendment number six of the agreement with Nino and Moore to provide geotechnical materials testing and special inspections for the Darti High School new sports complex project. Is there a motion to approve? So move. Second. Motion by board member Diaz, second by board member. any discussion? Yes. Dr. Hillman, do we do we have any um like artistic ren rendering or I mean I don't even know what this is supposed to look like and we're voting on it. I've never been shown what this is supposed to look like. We'll make sure you get Where do I get that information? I don't know if you've seen anything. All right. All right. Uh, any more discussion, board? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. Motion carries. 5. Uh, last 16.8, we have Dart Unified
116School District's school wellness policy trienal assessment. and we are just receiving this for information. All right, we are now moving on to our non-aggendaized items. So, we will go ahead and start with uh why don't we go and I I I do want to Priscilla, I'm gonna I'm gonna let you close things out. So, I'm just gonna give you fair warning there. Um so, why don't we go ahead and start with uh Dr. then. All right. Thank you so much. Um just want to start by acknowledging the um incredible recognitions that we started our evening with. Um really just uh demonstrating what our district has to offer. Um the kids obviously being the ones highlighted on the stage, but also that being the testimony of that collectivity. Those are our high schoolers or our seniors.
117Those are the kids who have navigated the system and really just the product of all those hands that um have guided those students uh through their journey. Teachers um especially and of course parents as well. Um and not just academically but also with our sports. We've had um the opportunity for our students to participate in CIFS um in some cases for the first time in history. and um just, you know, another highlight of our district. And as I've been thinking about the school year coming to an end, um seeing the videos for the uh decision day over at the high school, seeing where our kids are going, you know, whether it's a local or or California, I should say, um UC or state um or if it's a community college, uh that has to be
118celebrated. I myself spent seven years at PCC and so I I didn't become a a doctor overnight. I I took quite the slow path, but if I didn't start there, if I never started, I wouldn't be where I am today. Um we've got kids going to Berkeley, um Princeton, Carnegie Melon. And so I think all of that just to say that this is a good place to be. And I want to say it was Miss Grim from Baldwin Park. She stepped out um just hearing it from the mouth of a teacher or a parent who is also a teacher. And so, you know, when we hear the things that aren't so good about our schools, we just want to, you know, caution the community to, you know, be open to different perspectives and, you know,
119perhaps, you know, listen, make sure you're not listening to a false narrative because there's really, really wonderful things um going on here throughout. And um teachers, thank you for um sharing tonight. Thank you for sharing the data points. Um, I think it's really critical as board members that we see things from multiple perspectives and so thank you for taking your time out of your already really long day um to speak with us. So, thank you. Thank you very much, Dr. Oso, Mr. Reyes. Yes. Thank you. Um, Dr. Dr. Hman, thank you uh for making sure that ice machine is in and working. Uh a couple follow-ups on what we had discussed in previous meetings. Um the fencing at uh at Valley View, you you had mentioned to us that it was going to get worked
120on and it's still it's still the same. Um the heater, how how are we doing with the heater at uh at North View? Um and the football field also. Where are we at? Where's the status on that? Um I I was I was elected to this board because of what was going on at Andrew Wardy, the closure of it and the and the possibility of construction of 169 homes in my neighborhood. and and and so I'm here to represent that and I you know my neighbors are are are kind of upset because they don't feel that this board has communicated very well to them and I would love that we have some type of community meeting and let them let them vent and hear what's going on and how how they're really concerned erned about
121what's going on in the neighborhood th those parks. I don't know if any of you board members go over there and just tonight too. I mean practically daily all that filled both sides is used daily. It it is such it's one of the busiest probably the busiest park in in the in the community. Always being used by kids, by adults, by seniors, you know. Um and and a lot of us would hate to see that both of those ball fields only become one one ball field. Um, I just hope that um, you know, I I would really I would really like to see because parents parents want a junior high school back. They they and maybe they need to come up here. I mean, but I'm I've been going to the different schools and and
122speaking to parents. They would like to have a junior high experience for their children. And we should really board really seriously look at opening up reopening Andrew toward and turning that into a junior high. And I know we could fill that. I know we can. And that would solve our problem with our teachers needing a raise. Okay? We could make that raise sustainable. Five 500 students would be over $6 million. and that can be done right away. The construction um that you've proposed and approved to go on, that's going to take what maybe 5 years before we see any revenue. This can happen with this with within a couple years. So, I I hope that you would take that to heart and and and think of the legacy that you want to leave behind. You
123want to leave behind closed schools. you know, unhappy teachers. Um because I I sure don't. Uh congratulations again to all the students that were here that received recognition. Um and uh Priscilla, I didn't have the pleasure I just got back on the board in November. I didn't have the pleasure to be here two years with you, but the time that I have, I you're you're something to brag about. Your parents have to be very proud of you. You me seeing you out there in the community and teaching basketball and doing things and like and seeing you involved and on the softball team, it's it's it's amazing. It's like where does this girl find time to do her homework? you know, the the grades that you get, it's just it's awesome. I know you're going to
124do well. You know, you're going to do do good things and uh I just want to wish I want to wish you the best and good luck to you in your future endeavors. Thank you. All right. Thank you. I'll go ahead and go next and then I'll leave board member Diaz and board member Holine to to wrap up before Priscilla. Um, you know, this this was a very exciting meeting to be at uh to see all of these uh athletes and academic uh accolades that they have received. And it um you know as as I heard you know many of the students come up and share where they're going to school, what they plan on doing with their life. It's really it's it's exciting to see that the the vision that they have. Um sometimes
125I I tell my kids that they they need to see the bigger picture or see further out in the future. Um, and I think that's something that sometimes we assume our youth don't have. Um, but it's very clear that a lot of them know what they want to do and they know that they want to do big things and and have uh a major impact and put a dent in the universe. And that is really inspiring to see uh from from you know quote unquote little little Deardi. Um there there's there's big big things that are bubbling here and it's it's really exciting to see. So, uh, I I thank, you know, the the parents, the teachers, the staff that have shephered these these youth and these scholars, uh, over the years. And, uh, I
126know that they they will go on to do great things because they've had a great foundation here. And, um, I'm I'm excited for the next couple of weeks. We got a a full calendar um, to celebrate uh, the end of the year. and um it's just it's an exciting time of year and I'm glad I get to be part of it. So, thank you very much. Uh board member Diaz. Thank you, Dr. Finley. Um I echo the comments of my colleagues and um I like to say there has been a a good um ending of the school year and um to see all the uh the uh cheerful of the uh students that came through and how how they were celebrating it was it was really amazing and I also like to say thank you
127to the teachers that came today. It doesn't matter what are the reasons that you are here, but it's good to connect your faces with us. I know that you do a lot of work at school sites and and it's good to see that you will want to keep that um connection with the board too. So, thank you for being here tonight. Um, I also would like to say that last night was one of the best moments of my 27 life uh years in service at this as a board member. I went to Maxwell School last night and uh in 1992 uh I enrolled my kids at Maxwell School and to see what where is Maxwell right now even though that I go often to visit Maxwell last night to see those kids making presentations by
128themsel about different subjects It was unbelievable. And I know that today they had a really bigger event where they were kind of they have a a group of people that were uh help me Dr. Hillman with that. I'll just add today they had a panel. They presented in front of a panel and the panel were adults most of them adults. There was a few students um but but there were people myself um administrators from other schools cabinet members who were that the students u needed to present to us and then we had to uh give them feedback and evaluate them and it was I'm sorry I'm taking time but it was remarkable because in fact these are eighth graders presenting a problem research how they're going to solve the problem how it's going to contribute
129to the community. It was remarkable. So, I'll stop there. And and the reason that I went last night, yesterday, is because one of my neighbors came and say, "Are you going to Maxwell?" And I go, "No, not tonight." And they they tell me, "You should go. Let's go." So, I walk to Maxwell School. And just to see some of the kids um saying what they doing in the classrooms, helping their the uh helping the kids at kindergarten learn English, I mean with with English learners and to see kids that are willing to walk dogs, to do so many things that you take for granted, it was amazing. So I know that Dr. last time start working on that project and it was amazing to be able to be part of that last night. It was
130just it was the the cherry of the cake. So top of the cake. So thank you. Um I don't know if we are going to adjourn the meeting in memory of someone Mercedes. No, but tonight I would like to uh ask if we can u adjourn a meeting later and in memory of Mary Barrow Summer. She was a a amazing person that helped around the community a lot and she just passed away passed away just few weeks ago. And that's it. Thank you very much uh board member Diaz, board member Hane. Wow, another year. It's amazing. Um, I can't believe this is my third end of the year now. It's gone by so fast. Um, I've been visiting the high schools. I normally um visit them and I was over at MIT um in the
131last week a couple times in the last couple of weeks and um some of the kids are capping gowns were starting to come in and their signage. It was it was so nice to see them so excited. And a couple of the parents that are graduating, they were there. They were still, you know, not sure if they wanted to walk. And, you know, the staff there is trying to talk them into. I mean, it's really nice. Everything, you know, everybody goes above and beyond to help our kids. Um, as everybody said, it's the end of the year. It's exciting. Um, looking forward to the graduations, um, all the events. Going to miss that group. Going to miss Priscilla. I mean, I don't know what it's going to be like. Priscilla, had you here two years?
132gonna miss you and um gonna let everybody go and um I want to hear what Priscilla has to say. You will be missed and you have to come back and visit once in a while and report what college life is like. Thank you. Yes. Excellent. Thank you very much, board member Holene. All right, Priscilla, you're bringing us home here. Yes. Um, I just wanted to point out real quick that I started at this school district. I went to Valley View up until sixth grade and then I went to Royal Oaks for seventh and eighth grade and then I came to Dwerty High School. And a lot of those seniors, the majority of them, I'm pretty sure it's only like three or four of them that hadn't, they all started at they started here. They live
133here. Like I know some of them some of them live up my street and it's pretty cool to see how far we've all come and like you heard the amazing school that they're going to and the paths that they're going to take and the decisions that they're going to go on and graduate. And it wouldn't have been done without you guys, your guidance. They don't know it, but I know it. And um it's pretty cool to see all that. And I wanted to say thank you again to uh all of you, the board, Dr. Hillman, the cabinet, Mercedes, and Marcelo. I I'm so grateful for all of you. A lot of you I get to I I know you see me at school and you guys put a smile on my face. I get so
134happy when you guys see me like not here. Like I'm like, I promise I go to school. I promise I go to actual school. I go to my classes most of the time. Um, but this the past two years have been really really cool. I I didn't know what a school board was. I didn't know what any of this was. I didn't know the importance of your roles. And being able to see that, learn with my parents because we all all three of us got to learn a lot. And I know they're going to keep coming here. So, it's been pretty it's been pretty amazing getting to do this. Um, I was thinking today earlier, I was like when I was writing when I was going through my speech earlier, I was like I went
135up to Mr. Ernest because I go up to Mr. Ernest every time before um the board meeting or like at school. I'm like asking him like, "Oh, is there anything else I should add?" And he told me, he goes, "No." He goes, "You got this one." And then I looked at him and I said, "It's the last one." And then he said, "Yeah, it's the last one." And then he and then we both looked at each other all sad. And then he gave me a hug, but I was like, I think this one this one a lot of things weren't going to make me sad about some was like nah there's so many things that I'm not going to be sad about them I'm really excited but this is something I'm going to miss for
136sure so thank you guys I'm excited I get to see you guys I'll see you guys around then of course at graduation I'll be up there doing the pledge of allegiance or something else I don't know yet we'll see what they have me do but this has been an amazing opportunity I'll definitely I'll find something to do over at San Marcos. I'll find something similar to do. Trust me, I'll find something. I'll be in charge of something. I'll be speaking for someone. Communications, I'll be doing something for someone. And I got to learn so much. I got to learn so many skills. I I still afraid of public speaking. For those of you who don't know, public speaking is it is pretty scary to me. like and um this has really helped me helped me
137with my skills because I am still afraid but I think I've definitely gotten better at public speaking from this and I am really sad but thank you guys so much and I know I'll miss you guys. I'm going to miss sitting here. So I really am I really am honored to have done this. Thank you. Great. Thank you so much, Priscilla. Very, very good words. We appreciate all the work that you've done uh on the board here with us. So, thank you. And we know that uh great things are ahead for San Marcos. They're extremely lucky to have you. So, all right. I think we can then go ahead and move on to the adjournment. And we will be adjourning in memory of Mary Barlo Summerlot. Uh do I have a motion? Yes. Yeah. Yeah.
138Let me just for the benefit of everyone else, given what we've had a great night, I have nothing else to add there. It's been beautiful. Thank you, board. It's a privilege to sit up here and uh congratulations to all our graduates very soon. All right. So, move. All right. So, we have a motion. Do we have a second? Second. So, we have a motion by board member Diaz, second by board member. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor say I. I. I. Motion carries 5. Thank you everyone.