Regular Board Meeting - Sep 09 2025 - 09 Sep 2025

001All right. Good evening. Um we are going to um establish a quorum for the um board prior to going into close session. So it looks like we have all five board members here. So we have a quorum. And this meeting is being uh webcast live and recorded. The recording of or webcast may capture images and sounds of those attending the meeting. Um Eric, you've done a great job over there. So, thank you on that. And let's see here. So, in terms of close session items of discussion, uh please refer to the list of items identified in section B under close session. And then are there any public comments currently on close session items before we adjourn to close session? We'll hear I hear none. Okay, we didn't receive any cards. So, uh we adjourn to

002close session and we'll see you at six. Christiey's in the audience. Alrighty. Welcome. Welcome everyone. Is my mic working? >> All right. All right. Good evening. I guess the mic isn't working very well. Hi everyone. Oh, look. There it comes. The mic is on now. Very good. Hey, welcome everyone. This is exciting. We have not seen this many people in a decade. So, we're glad that you're here. We're glad that you know about us. So, we're super excited. So, thanks for coming tonight. Thank you for allowing us to start a few minutes late with uh with the everything going on. So, um, we're going to reconvene the meeting and I'm going to introduce the interpreter briefly here and it says there will be a Spanish interpreter for this meeting. Meeting attendees who would like to

003listen to the Spanish interpretation of the proceedings, please pick up headphones from the table located in the back of this room. This announcement will now be shared in Spanish. And hi, welcome It's getting some power on my computer here. Thank you. And thank you for that introduction. Alrighty. So then um this meeting is being webcast live and recorded. The recording or webcast may capture images and sounds of those attending the meeting. We'll begin tonight with our mission and vision and uh do our new student board members who will be swearing in in a few minutes. You guys have the mission and vision and you know who's going to read which. Okay, take it away. Hello. I'll be reading our mission. Our mission is empowering every student to graduate, prepare for college, career, and life through

004excellence in learning. Our vision is relentlessly pursuing with optimism equitable support for all students to navigate a changing world by providing rigorous and relevant learning experiences that strengthen their capacity as open-minded and invested collaborators, effective and thoughtful communicators, resourceful and creative problem solvers, curious and analytical critical thinkers, and informed and compassionate community members. >> Thank you both so much. So Christie, are you our longest serving board member? >> I believe at this time. Yes. >> Very good. Well, you are going to be leading us in the pledge of allegiance. >> Okay, everyone, please stand. Right hand over your heart. Ready? Begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I don't think

005I've ever heard that louder in this room. Thank you. >> All right. So, let's see. Is the mic Sounds like the mic went off again. Hello. Test one, two, three. Yeah, it went off. It's on. But there we go. Now it's on. Um All right. So I have a very loud voice but people at home can't um I will do both but yeah it's it's not working testing one 123. Okay it's the inspirational um uh student recognition and Mr. Michael Santos from Orange Glenn High School. They'll now do the inspiration. >> The mic is not working. >> One two three testing. Here, let me do this. Let me this. >> Can everyone hear this? They can hear this. >> Yeah, we'll do that for now. >> All right. So, now we're going to move to

006the inspirational student recognition by Mr. Michael Santos, principal of Orange Glenn High School. Mr. Santos, nice to see you. >> Nice to see you, too. Thank you. >> Hi, everyone. I'm Michael Santos, the proud principal of Orange Glenn High School. I first want to thank our district cabinet and I will do an interpretive dance now. Okay, we'll start over. >> Hi everyone. I'm Michael Santos, the proud principal of Orange Glenn High School. I first want to thank our district cabinet and school board for the opportunity to celebrate our students especially those that will become an inspiration not just for our school but for our community at OHS our school vision. >> Let's try this. >> Okay. >> Can run around like my povich. Thank you. >> At OGHS, our school vision is to have academic

007and personal growth for all students. This growth varies for each student, but our efforts are to continually help all students improve and provide them the skills they >> pass. One, two, three. Mr. Mr. President, can I suggest a fivem minute recess? >> I hear you, but hold on one second. >> Okay. >> Check, check, check. >> This growth varies for each student, but our efforts are to continually help all students improve and provide them the skills they need to be successful in whatever path they choose, be it college or career, but always successful in life. OG's inspirational student not only has grown tremendously but has taken every advantage our school has to offer. David Moraicio Mauricio Rodriguez Romero is one that continues to push what is possible of a young young person. He excels academically

008with a 4.17 GPA and on and is on track to get his AA. athletically making it to the CIF boys tennis individual playoffs last year and in the community from volunteering in a hospital to bringing local radio celebrity and OG alum Jesse Lozano to donate to OG in the tennis program. David is the full package. And to tell us more about this amazing student is our counselor, Miss Artha Gera. To tell them tell us more. [Applause] Good evening, members of the board. It is my honor to introduce you to tr a truly exceptional young man, Davidid Mauricio Rodriguez Romero, a 12th grade student at Orange Glenn High School and our nominee for Orange Glenn High School's inspirational student of the month. Davided currently holds an outstanding GPA above a 4.0. But it's not just his

009GPA that makes David inspiring. It's his heart, resilience, and drive behind it all. As a first generation collegebound student and a reclassified English language learner, Davidid has faced the challenge of navigating the academic world largely on his own. Juggling rigorous coursework, sports, clubs, and community service, he found himself overwhelmed. But rather than giving up, Davidid always steps up. He created systems to stay organized, built better habits, and transformed tough moments into a launching pad for his success. I remember like it was just yesterday when Davided joined Middle College at Orange Glenn High School as a ninth grade student and expressed to me that his passion lies in medicine. His dream is to become a pediatrician or to specialize in internal medicine and to serve the Latino community with empathy and understanding. That dream was sparked

010at just 11 years old while caring for his mother during an a medical emergency. David's passion grew stronger through his volunteer work at Palomar Health Hospital, where he stepped in as a Spanish translator for frightened and confused patients, helping them communicate their pain and concerns when no one else would or could. Through these experiences, Davidid realized the urgent need for bilingual, culturally aware medical professionals. Davidid has shared with me that many of the patients after he helped them would look him in his eyes and say work really hard my son and he has. David volunteers at Palomar Health Hospital as an inpatient ambassador as well as a volunteer trainer. Davidid has completed the medical assistant clinical certifi certificate of competency, medical assistant administrative certificate of competency, CPR certification, stop the bleed certificate of competency while

011teach while hold on I lost my um administr FEMA certificate of completion and is an active participant of our 1904 for cadetses program at Orange Glenn High School which teaches the community important life-saving skills in case of an emergency. Davided is on track to earn his AA degree from Palomar College as well as his I geti certification by the end of his senior year. Davided aspires to attend UC San Diego followed by the UCSD School of Medicine and he is committed to becoming one of the few Latino doctors in his field not just to break barriers but to be the difference in people's lives. Davidid is more than a student. He is a leader, a role model, and an inspiration to our entire community. Thank you for celebrating him with us tonight. Well, first of

012all, oh, hello. Okay. So, uh thank you Miss Ghetto and Mr. Santos for your very kind words. Um and thank you for all being here everyone. Um I'm very honored to be here with you all today. Uh first and foremost, I want to thank God, my family, my girlfriend Alexis, and all of the Orange Glenn staff. Without their constant love, guidance, and support, I would not be standing here with you all today. They have always reminded me of the importance of working really hard, helping my neighbor, and using my gifts to serve others. Four years ago, I made the decision to attend Orange Glenn. I went into high school promising myself that I would not leave with any regret. I heard from many people that they regret not working harder, not joining a sport or

013a club in high school. Although it was hard balancing all my extracurriculars and grades, I tried everything. And of course, although it was really hard, I enjoyed it because I knew that high school only comes once. And in the future, I wouldn't leave with any regrets. One moment I was a high school student. The other I was a college student. Then I was a tennis player. Then a paramedic. Then I was a medical assistant. Then a hospital volunteer. And then back to myself. Throughout many months. I wore these costumes and always make sure to keep my grades high, but also giving time for myself. If you ask me if it was easy, of course I would say not. But everything that I learned from those activities combined with my education and values helped me not

014just become a better student, but a person who helps out their community. Now I want to share a story with you all today of how all of these activities came together while volunteering at Palmer Hospital. One day while training a few volunteers, a doctor came up to me and asked me if anybody spoke Spanish, which of course I spoke up and said, "Of course I do speak Spanish." And he led me to this patient room where I saw a young Hispanic man and his leg was a pretty in pretty bad conditions. And the doctor told me that his leg was unfortunately going to be amputated and he gave me the task to uh tell this unfortunate patient that his leg was going to be amputated. Now with the quick decision that I made well that

015I learned in 1904 cadetses with the ability to handle patient news like I learned in medical assistant and with the empathy that I gained and received at Orange Glenn, I was able to deliver the news directly but in such a way that was able to comfort both the patient and his family. Moments like this have truly shaped me. If I hadn't taken into consideration everything that I learned throughout high school, maybe the outcome of this situation may have been very different. That's why I encourage others to embrace every opportunity that comes to them to them. Try new things, keep learning, and use that knowledge to improve yourself as a person, but also to help out your community as well. None of this would have been possible without the Orange Gun community. I'm very proud to

016be a patriot and to represent my school with gratitude and pride. Thank you. Come on. The mic still working. Give everyone here. You got the most standing ovation ever. So there you go. Oh. Um, is Mayor White here? There was going to be Mayor White. Here he comes. Good evening everyone. Thank you for letting me crash your party here. Uh, David Romero, congratulations on being the inspirational student of the month. And I got to tell you, every time every time I come back for these things, I feel like the stories get more and more inspiring. And your spirit of service and charity is truly remarkable. So, thank you for that. You make us all proud representing the city out there. So, thank you very much. Congratulations. Couple more items here for you to decorate your

017dorm room with. This one is from Jim Desmond's office. Says, "Certificate of commenation presented to you." And it says, "I am proud to recognize Orange Glenn School September's inspirational student, David Mauricio Rodriguez Romero." Hope I got that right. a dedicated and resilient 12th grade student who continues to inspire those around him through his perseverance, positive attitude, and academic growth. We celebrate David's accompl accomplishments and academic growth, and we wish continued success in your future endeavors. Congratulations sincerely, Jim Desmond, supervisor, fifth district. And then this one from the Escanido Union High School District Board of Education is honored to present the inspirational student award to you. And this is uh given to you on September 9th, 2025 in recognition of your outstanding accomplishments. So there you go. [Applause] You don't mind. [Applause] See if the microphones

018Yes, they are working again. Good job, Eric. All right, at this point, uh we are on item number seven, uh report of action taken in close session, and this will be by board member Williams. Does this work? Yep. In closed session, on motion of board member Knight, second by board member Durnney, the board of education voted to approve physical education waiverss, case numbers 39 through 209 for the 2025 2026 school year by a five yay, zero nay, zero absent, zero abstain vote. On motion of board member Durnney, seconded by board member Williams, the board of education voted voted to approve graduation waiverss cases numbers one through six for the 2025 2026 school year by a five yay zero nay, zero absent, zero abstain vote. That is the report for close session today. >> Thank you,

019Trusty Williams. All right. And now, um, we're going to approve the board meeting minutes of the August 5th, 2025 meeting. Can I get a motion and a second, please? >> I move to approve the minutes. >> Second. >> And we got a second, it sounds like. Is there any discussion on those minutes? >> All right, we will call the vote. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Oh, and student board members, you guys are back. Welcome back. How do you vote? >> I. >> Very good. >> Unofficial advisory vote. They'll be sworn in in a moment. >> Yes. Okay. All right. So then for this month uh we want to approve the agenda. Are there any additions, deletions or corrections? Um >> uh I have a question. >> Sure. Normally we have an introduction

020of cabinet and staff and board members at the beginning of open session. We've done that for 30 years. Uh it's I know we're doing a new uh system. Did we somehow miss the introduction? >> Well, we did it right before close session, but I'm happy to do it. So I I can call a um role right now. Um member Knight >> present. >> Member Vincent >> present. >> Member Durnney >> present. >> Member Williams >> here. >> And member Weller here. And since the student board members are not sworn in yet, we will get to you later. Um so we do have a quorum. So thank you. >> And cabinet we normally introduce them too. Oh, we so um Amanda Phillips and Shirani Krypalani and Dr. Cauus and Superintendent Peterson. >> Good evening. >> Okay,

021good. We're all here. All right. So then, um we're going to do Let's see. We're down to no additions, deletions. So now we're going to approve the consent calendar. Um, we approve number nine. I don't think so. There are no additions, deletions, or corrections being recommended. Uh, so at this time, we need to approve the agenda with a motion in a second. >> I'll make a motion to approve the agenda as posted. >> I'll second. >> Very good. Any discussion? All in favor say I. >> It passes. Thank you. We move down to item number 10. approved consent calendar and items on the agenda marked with an asterk. All matters listed on the consent calendar are considered to be routine or sufficiently supported by prior or accompanying reference materials and information as to not require

022additional discussion. A motion will enact all consent agenda items. There will be no separate discussion of these items prior to the time of the board trustees votes on the motion unless members of the board, staff or public request specific items to be discussed or moved from the consent calendar for a separate action. The district administration recommends approval of the following consent calendar items. I need to scroll down here. Be patient. So, educational services F1 and F2. human resources G1 and G2 and business services H1, two, three, four, five, six, seven, and eight. All right. Um, so recommended board action is to approve the consent calendar. Can I get a motion? >> So moved. >> Second. >> And do we have any discussion? >> No discussion. All in favor say I. >> I. I. >> And

023that passes as well. how easy it is to run these board meetings. It's so easy. Um, we're now going to go into recognition and presentations. So, we're going to now administer the oath of office to student board members, Anna Ibrahim and Nathan um, Bersamina. So, if we can see you guys out front there. Let's see if the Yep, this microphone works. Very good. I'll stand this way. So, we'll do one at a time. I'll start with Hannah. I will read a sentence and then you can um you have it right there in front of you. And do we have them raise their right hand? Yes, please raise your right hand. Very good. All right. So, this is the oath of office for student board member Escanido Union High School District. I, Anna Ibrahim, do solemnly

024swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of California, against all enemies, foreign, domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of California, that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties upon which I'm about to enter. Very good. Y. [Applause] All right. Nathan again I Nath Nathan Buramina. >> Thanks for raising your right hand. Do solemnly swear >> that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States >> and >> the Constitution of the State of California >> against all enemies, foreign and domestic. >> against all enemies. that I will bear true faith and allegiance >> I will bear >>

025to the Constitution of the United States >> and the Constitution of the State of California >> that I take this obligation freely without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion and that I will faithfully discharge the duties upon which I'm about to enter. Congratulations both of you. [Applause] All right, we now get to have student and staff for recognition by the superintendent, John Peterson. >> Good evening. Uh this summer students across our district participated in a variety of competitions at the San Diego County Fair. Just want to celebrate a couple of the accomplishments. Esso High School's advanced video students, recent graduates Matthew Santanovich and Quinton Tam won best of show at the San Diego County Fair this year. Matthew and Quinton directed and edited a documentary entitled Makeup and a short film entitled Unwritten. Delago

026Academy and Sasqua High School robotics teams won first place in the fair robotics competition in an alliance with Canyon Crest Academy. SP's team also won the autonomous award. At Delago Academy, the city of Escanido held a ceremonial unveiling of the most recent student mural at Washington Park. Delagu Academy 11th grade scholar Jessica Huan presented her design to the public art commission during her sophomore year over the summer with the support of educators Charlie Mahia and Allet Annaya as well as fellow DA students Steven Lucido Christina Huan Ethan Bre and Diego Vicente. The mural was completed. Students and teachers were formally recognized at the ceremonial unveiling from Orange Glenn High School. Over the summer, Orange Glenn High School 12th grade student Samantha Perez participated in an internship at the Sulk Institute for Biological Studies in La

027Hoya. At the end of her internship, she presented her research project which was titled Identifying Functional Regulatory Mutations in Neuroblatoma. She did an amazing job presenting to a room of scientists. She is one of only 13 high school students chosen for this very selective program. Photography and torch student Amy Leesma Gonzalez has received national recognition for her photography work. One of her pictures has been selected to be the cover for communication journalism education today which is distributed nationally to all high school journalism teachers who are members of the journalism education association. Amy Leesma Gonzalez also won first place at the National Scholastic Press Association's Clips and Clicks contest in feature photography and honorable mention for a soccer celebration shot. Orange Glenn High School's yearbook, The Torch, has earned national recognition from Wsworth Publishing for its

0282025 editions theme, same period in the Ideal File magazine and blog. The yearbook was celebrated for its commitment to inclusive multilingual storytelling and its groundbreaking efforts to represent all students regardless of background. Congratulations to master journalism educator Jessica Young and her student team for continuing to lead with innovation and heart. And finally, for staff recognition, Sasqual High School's Fighting Eagle football coach, Tony Kley, was recently highlighted on KUSI for his 40th and final year of coaching football for the SAS Squal Football Program. We thank him for the many years of service and experience in coaching our young athletes. Thank you. You know, a lot of times we get bogged down in everything and to hear all the successes of the district is really outstanding. It's very inspiring. So, we're now going to move to section

029E public comment. Uh, so student board member reports. I skipped down too fast. Thank you so much. So, student board member report by Hana Ibrahim and then Nathan Bersamina. Good evening to the board members and to all of you here today. I'm here I am happy to share the latest updates from Academy, Orange Glenn High School and Valley High School. Starting with Academy, they started off the school year with an assembly that helped set a positive tone for students and staff. Each of their class representatives have been busy planning activities to build school spirit and bring students together. Seniors are planning for their senior sunrise while juniors are hosting a slime making social. Sophomores are organizing a movie day in their theater and freshmen are planning a field day. In addition to these events, they

030have their food fair and girls volleyball ratty crowd today on September 9th. They are also beginning to plan for homecoming and I will share more details as they come together. At Orange Glenn High School this year, we begin a cheer section in front of this in front to welcome students on the first day of school, which I was a part of, which was super fun. And the senior class also created a large photo poster for seniors to celebrate their first final day. Last Friday, we hosted our welcome back assembly where we introduced teachers and students and played fun games to encourage the crowd. That evening, we also had our first patriot pit of the year, which was a blackout theme where we handed out bubbles to students and we created uh a really fun and

031spirited atmosphere. Our senior representatives also started organizing senior hoodies and planning senior sunset which took place on September 5th which I was also a part of. And in our coming weeks, we're preparing for club rush as well as our homecoming which will take play place on October 25th. To end on a positive note, our football team had a big win against Tri City Christian at a final score of 55 to 12. Right. Yeah, that's good. It's Orange Glenn. I would also like to highlight some outstanding accomplishments from Orange Glenn students over the summer. Congratulations to Leslie Curio and Jennifer Rodriguez Ortiz who represented California in the FCCLA National Championship of Orlando Florida. Only students who placed first, second, and third at the state championship were allegible to participate. And Leslie placed 16th sixth national wide

032out of 74 states. Wow. In addition, the OGHS torch yearbook staff attended the San Diego yearbook uh workshop at PointLoma Nazarin University where they spent four days in intensive photography, design, writing, and leadership classes. This team won a championwide contest for a theme development for their 2526 publication, earning a $500 credit design for enhancements. To add to the rec recognition, idea file magazine and blog will be publishing a story on the torch yearbook and musket media staff for their efforts to create an accessible content for all students. Now going to Valley High School. Valley High School this year began on began on August 19th with a welcome back assembly which helped bring students and staff together as they started the new school year. Shortly after, on August 27th, the school hosted a parent RTP orientation

033night. As part of the responsibility training program, every student who comes to Valley must first complete this program before receiving a full schedule, giving families an opportunity to to connect with staff and learn more about the programs and resources available. And on September 4th, the National Guard set up a table during lunch, allowing students to learn more about their opportunities and programs they offer. The following day on September 5th, Valley held its school site site council meeting continuing its commitment to student and family engagement. Thank you all and that's for my report for this month. [Applause] >> Hi everybody. Thank you for coming. Um hello board. It's my pleasure and honor to report this September's latest updates regarding the Escandido High, San Pascal High, and the Escanido adult school sites. At Escandido High School, the

034Cougars have started their year strong by welcoming students back on campus with their annual cheer tunnel entrance tradition. In addition, previous summer orientations led by our Cougar ambassadors have given incoming freshmen a feel for where everything is on the campus. Within the past two months, counselors have been working hard to set up financial aid workshops and inschool lessons for both seniors and their parents. During the second week, EHS held its annual club rush, introducing students to the various extracurricular clubs it has to offer. On the same day, EHS also hosted a back- tochool night for parents to gain insight into the programs and support systems provided this year. The same week, the Eskanito High School football team won its first home game against Classical Academy with a final score of 40-21. The revival of our

035school's rowdy crowd, which is our student section, was influenced by a high turnout and a successful tailgate before the game. Um, over at San Pasal High, ASB celebrates their first day back by spotlighting their seniors with poster activity and a photo frame. That week they also hosted a junior scavenger hunt as well as sophomore long games such as Giant Tetris, Jenga, and cornhole. The Friday of that week, the freshman pep rally also took place in honor of their upcoming football game the same day. This included a ice cream social and a tailgate block party later that day with face painting, lawn games, and free pizza. Overall, San Pasqual took their first two weeks to kind of ease each class individually into the year. Um, and finally, at the Escanido Adult School, the CNA program is

036back up and running with the new instructor, Christy Vincent. Yay. They also have expanded their medical assistant course to two sections this semester. And welcome back Belinda Garcia to the medical assistant team alongside fellow MA instructor Marcia Zendeas. And that about wraps up my report for this season. Thank you everybody. I'm sorry. Come on. always love these updates. You guys do a phenomenal job. >> Yes, I like the high five between you. >> As you can see, we have some very talented students in this district and we're very excited about that. All right, this moves us into section E, public comment. There are different sections in here. Section one will first be a report from the California School Employees Association, Escandido Chapter number 219. Do we have anybody from that association here tonight to speak?

037I take it no. All right. And then also report from the Escandido Secondary Teachers Association. Somebody is coming to the mic. So very good. >> Is it working? >> It's working. On behalf of the Escanido Secondaries Teachers Association, I am sharing the following statement in regards to our union's position on acceptance, support, and inclusion of all members of our community. ESTA stands united in its unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion across all campuses within the Escandido Union High School District. We believe every student, educator, staff member, and board and community member deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ability, or background. as educators. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] As educators, we have a profound responsibility to foster inclusive learning environments where differences are not only respected

038but celebrated. We denounce in the strongest terms any form of discrimination, harassment, or intimidation, including verbal, physical, or digital attacks directed at individuals on the basis of their race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or beliefs. Such behavior has no place in our schools or in our community. [Applause] We reaffirm and support the Escanido Union High School District's own commitment to equity as outlined in district policy. Quote, "Escandido Union High School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, and bullying based on actual or perceived in ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental status, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. ESTA calls upon all stakeholders, educators, administrators, students, families, and community members to uphold these

039principles and actively contribute to a school a school culture grounded in dignity, inclusivity, and mutual respect. Our schools must remain spaces where every student can thrive and every voice can be heard and every individual can be their authentic self without fear. Together we will continue to work towards a more just and equitable future for all of us. Thank you. [Music] Thank you so much. That was nice to have you guys appear tonight and share with us your thoughts. So, now we move into comments from the public on non-aggendaized topic that lies within the subject matter jurisdiction of the board. And I'm going to read um some uh organizational matters here. At this time, we will hear general public comment on school related topics that are not on tonight's agenda. If you are here to speak

040about an item that is listed on the agenda, you will have an opportunity to share your comments. When it comes an item up for discussion by the board, it's clear that many people here tonight because they care deeply about our schools, our students, and our future of this district. We recognize this passion and commitment behind every comment and we want to thank you in advance for taking the time to engage with us from speaker slips we've received. We understand that many of you wish to speak on a topic that is not on tonight's agenda. Please know that while we're eager to listen under the Brown Act, the board cannot respond or engage in dialogue about non-aggendaized topics during this meeting. That said, we are listening and your voice matters to us. In accordance with board

041policy, individual public comments are limited to three minutes per speaker and each topic is limited to 20 minutes total. Before everybody freaks out here, let's do some math so that we can all have time to talk tonight. Now, I know myself as well as the board are way willing to stay here all night. So, with that said, there are 30 speaker cards that have been turned in. If we give each of you three minutes, which we're willing to do, that's 90 minutes. So, that would put us at about 8:30 before um that is done. If we can all agree to two minutes, that would put us at about 8 o'clock. Heard you there, Mike. So, say what? Okay. So, it is our board. So, one thing that the audience needs to know, this is our

042meeting that you're invited to. With that said, I'm going to open it up to >> that's that's that's law. That's you can read that. That's in law and governance. But anyway, it's an open public meeting. Michael, with that said, board, what would you like to do in terms of giving speakers time? >> I agree with your choice of with your suggestion of two minutes per speaker. I think that would be fine. It's a fair compromise to allow everyone a chance to speak. >> Not what anybody prepared for. >> I'm okay with 90 minutes. >> Thank you. >> I'm a night o so I agree with you. Three minutes. >> All right. So based on that we will have three minutes. Now, let's talk about a couple things here um that I need to also read.

043Um Marie, is the clock working? Do we know if the because we've there's a clock that um >> You have a timer. Okay. We were going to have um a timer clock that shows so people would know how, but we're going to just use our um Marie's trusty phone there for the timer. Finally, we anticipate a wide range of perspect perspectives being shared this evening. We ask everyone to speak with civility and decorum and to show respect for all speakers. Even when you may disagree with their views as a public body and as a community, we make uh we can model what it means to disagree respectfully and constructively. Look at Michael and I the way we work. Um on behalf of the entire board, thank you for being here, for participating in this process,

044and for helping us serve our students and schools with integrity. before I call the first person. So, we're going to take a break, a five minute break in the midst of this um somewhere probably around 7:30 quarter to 8. Usually we wait till 8:00, but with how many people here and needing to use the restroom and all that, somewhere in the next 40 to 45 minutes, we'll take >> Can I make one request? Um >> we have a student from Classical Academy here to speak to the board and uh in in in the form of this public comment. It is not an agendaized item. I would like to hear the students comment before asking him to wait into the mix of all the comments. Would that be agreeable? >> Yeah, that's agreeable. Do we have

045do we >> Okay. Um, so is the student from classical available? Hey Dana, >> and I hope that's okay with you. If you want to stay for the whole thing, that's okay, too. But I in the past, we've had um classical students wait two hours to come in, and that was a long night. So, thank you. If you don't want and if you don't want to go first, we can give it. We can You don't have to go first either. [Applause] >> All right. Well, thank you. Thank you for letting me come. Sorry to crash your party. I love to see all the support here. Uh but I'm here to talk about school choice in Escanido. I am a born and raised Eskanito resident. I went to Juniper Elementary School there in Bear Valley Middle

046School before going to Classical Academy. And I just want to remind the board and thank you for having the opportunity of charter schools being in Escanido and giving every student the opportunity to fulfill their educational goals and aspirations. I um was given a solid foundation um in elementary school and middle school at Juniper and Bear Valley. Uh but it wasn't until I went to classical that I the foundation that I was given was finally able to serve me and open doors for me at classical. It was the first time that I was seen and heard as an individual as Efron Padrosa as a person of reasonable intelligence and ability and was pushed to excel academically and study more. I am Mexican-American. I grew up speaking Spanish and it was something that I always had with

047me growing up in the 90s and the early 2000s. I know I look a lot younger than that but but all that to say it was when I went to classical academy that I met a teacher that saw that I had this knack for language at classical. At the time they offered Spanish and German and so naturally I took German class and it was the German teacher who pushed me not just only to excel in German. and I ended up taking four years of German in one academic school year. She also encouraged me to go back to my Spanish roots and really really embrace them. Well, it was through that language ability that opened doors for me to start my career at Apple. I started working at the Apple store and was able to move

048up the ranks until I eventually joined the Siri team and was teaching Siri how to speak Spanish. I want to also let the record show that I dropped out of college. So, it really was this foundation that I received at classical academy and at the other schools in Escanido that pushed me in this way. I am now proud to report that I run an in-house marketing agency for Googlers for Google. So, I'm standing in front of you as a proud Googler and as a board member of the Escanido History Center. For everyone that's here, everyone is welcome. We are doing Grape Day Festival this Saturday from 12:00 to 6:00. It's our 68th uh Grape Day Festival. So, please come. It's historic. It's important to the city of Escanido and I am very thankful for the

049board allowing the school of choice in Escanido and giving everyone that opportunity to shine, come back to the city and then make it really a truly wonderful place to live and be. Thank you. >> Hey, uh Bob, I don't think you got a name. Yeah, that's what I was working on. Thank you. So that you were Ephraim, right? >> Yeah, we're pulling your card. And uh Dana Moan, principal of Classical High School, sitting next to him, will be retiring at the end of this year. So we thank you, Dana, for your 18 years. You were I noticed it on social media. >> Thank you, President Weller. >> Thank you, Christine Knight. All right, with that said, um it looked like this the timer was on the clock, but we'll begin. Um the first speaker will

050be Georgin Tomasi. [Applause] >> Okay. Just real quick. Um, Georgin, just real quick, it was suggested that we also have an on deck person so that it goes a little smoother, faster. >> I didn't hear you. >> Oh, can you hear me now? >> Yes. >> Okay, hold on one second. So, the next two people after you speaking are going to be Erin looks like EIS. Oh, Erin Evans and then Heather Smith. So, that way you guys can maybe move over there behind the deis um and prepare. Thank you. Good idea, Ryan. All right. Thank you so much. Uh good evening everybody. Uh just want to uh comment that uh Jesus summarized the ethical core of Christianity with two commandments. Greatest commandment he stated. Love the Lord God with all your heart, soul, and mind.

051I think it was in Matthew uh chapter 22:37. Second greatest, love your neighbor as yourself. Also in Matthew 22:39, this dual emphasis on love for God and neighbor undergrides the moral framework of Christiana, Christian life. Biblical ethics uphold social justice, protecting the vulnerable, practicing generosity, caring for the disadvantaged, compassionate action, volunteering, fair treatment of others becomes its practical outworkings of Christian morality. Scripture teaches us that humanity bears God's name and image. This principle leads to the defense of human life at every stage and fosters profound respects in our dealings with others. It excludes injustices like exploitation, discrimination, cruelty, public shaming, unfortunately as happened to Carol Durnney on August the 5th and and hopefully does not continue tonight. I heard uh at the August 5th meeting lots of Bible quotes thrown around justifying the condemnation of

052Carol. I did not hear one word of human kindness, compassion, understanding that should have been extended to Carol, our neighbor, our friend, elected leader, and a public official who served this community with dignity and grace for many years. Those of you who received this sticker, could you please stand up? Carol, all of you, even if you don't, Carol, we do see you and we support you 100% on your new life journey. Thank you so much. Next speaker is Aaron Evans. Thank you. >> Do I begin? Awesome. Uh my my name is Dr. Aaron Evans. Uh I was elected to the county board of education this last election cycle representing this area, District 4, running from Santi all the way up Vista and all the way uh all the way east. Uh I think a lot

053of people are in this audience here uh because of the meeting on August 5th and some of the cruelty and some of the unnecessary hate that was expressed up here. I'm here uh on my own behalf. I am not representing the San Diego County Board of Education. But I will say now that we have reaffirmed our commitment to protect all students, to advocate for all students because you cannot learn unless you have social emotional well-being. You have to feel safe. You have to feel you are one with a community and a sense of belonging. And the behavior that happened at the last board meeting was not only immature, but it showed a lack of care for education policy and for our kids. I'm here also not just to advocate for board member Carol Durnney. I'm

054also here so that students in your district know that there are people here to advocate for them fiercely with love and joy. I loved hearing you both state the mission the the mission statement and the vision and to speak about open-mindedness and I wish the board would express the same kinds of commitments to that mission statement and to to that mission and to that vision and I hope that you do so now I realize that we are constrained in terms of speaking uh speaking during these kinds of comments but you're not restricted from showing care in your face showing that you don't like the hate that's coming out of someone's face. I feel that at the county at least if I were to see the same kind of unnecessary cruelty expressed at one of my

055colleagues, I would at least give a little bit of stink eye and maybe afterwards expressed that we don't like what's happening to our fellow board member. So I'm here to to again I'm here from a place of love. I'm here from a place of care and I'm here to let you know that when students feel attacked, when students feel that they're not supported, they engage in behavior oftentimes that lands them in the schools that the county board oversees. I hope that doesn't happen to students here. And if they're feeling unsupported, reach out to me, Aaron Evans, reach out to the people who are here at at public comment. Reach out to board member Durnney. You are not alone. Thank you very much for listening to me. >> All right. So then the next speaker and

056then the two following next is going to be Heather Smith, then Michael Davis, and then Dr. Joe Muga. And I do want to thank the audience for being very polite as the speakers speak. So thank you for that. So Heather Smith, you're up. Hello and thank you for the opportunity to uh to speak tonight. I am um co-advisor of the GSA over at Orange Glenn. Last month, as I listened to public the public comments comments, I'm sorry. I was appalled and disappointed at what I heard and I want to ask you when did it become acceptable to call someone names and tell them that they were an abomination? When did bullying become okay in our district? The answer is to that it is never permissible to call someone names and it is never okay to

057bully. So, why didn't anyone in our board remind the speakers to be respectful? Why didn't anyone on the board stop the name calling and the bullying? What values are we teaching our students? When I was a child, I was taught to be kind to people, that name calling was a no no, and that we are all unique individuals. I was taught to get to know someone first before deciding if I wanted to be their friend or not. I was taught that I should never be cruel and I should never call people names. I was taught to be a supportive friend, to be helpful, and to be an ally. Carol, I applaud you for living your most authentic life. You deserve to be happy and supported. Please continue to do the job you were voted in

058to do. I would welcome you to stop by into my classroom anytime. It is important to remember that our children and students are paying attention to our actions and what we say. If we allow bullying and name calling to happen here, how can we teach our students to be good humans who help each other? As adults, we need to model appropriate behavior and respectful language. We do not allow hate speech to be used on our campuses. We write referrals if there is hate speech on our campus. Why would we allow it in our boardroom? Thank you for allowing me to speak again. >> Thank you very much. Michael Davis, welcome back. You're a regular speaker here. We should stamp your card. >> Frequent flying miles. Thank you for allowing me to speak with you again

059this evening. This evening, I am here as much for Miss Durnney as I am for my own child. I am here tonight because of the actions that happen in this board does filter down to every other level of leadership and education. The way that you care for each other, the way that you support each other is observed not just by the parents as visual here tonight, but also the teachers and through those teachers, the students. They learn what it means to be a cohesive community through the example that is set at the most highest level. This evening, as I am here, Carol, to celebrate you again. Thank you for being brave. I'm also here because I want you to set an example that will care for my child who is a student at Delago High

060School. See, I'm brave. I want you to know that I actually belong here. I'm not some out oftowner that's coming in to say something that you don't want to hear. It's my child that you have to take care of. And as you look at your notes instead of me and as you also go through other things that you have to work through that you set an example of respect as you listen. I'm here because you listen here. My son's taken care of. my son who needs to be looked at and seen and not ignored, needs to be looked at and seen and cared for instead of looking at notes for the next thing that's going to come up in this meeting. My child needs to be looked at and respected as many of you have

061done and one has not. Please try to do that for all of our children. I've never tried to attack in these statements, but please watch and pay attention to everyone that speaks. The challenge within this is last time so many people knew for some reason we don't know how what was going to happen and they came first. But these are the people that are watching you. These are the people that are paying attention to your actions, your words, and sometime they're going to vote and they're going to weigh all of that on how that you respond to this situation. Please show your constituents that you care. Please show my son that you care. Thank you all for allowing me to speak. All right. Our next speaker then will be uh Dr. Joe uh MUGa. How

062would you pronounce that? >> That would be Dr. Joe Muga, Mr. Waller. >> Thank you, Dr. Muga. >> Yeah. >> And then after >> I came here because of this. >> Oh, give me one second. Give me one second. So the behind you is going to be an an Anna Massie, Deb Pint, and then Lori Hatley. All right. Very good. You still get your three minutes. >> Okay. When's it going to start here? >> Okay. I am here because of this. I am ashamed of this school board. Um, let me let me start. My name is Dr. Joe Muga. I live in Escandido community for the last 26 years. I was under I'm a former Escanido Union School District School Board member. I've been in your seat. I know what it's like being there. Uh

063my daughter graduated from Academy. She's now at UC Davis. I love my community. I love the schools in this community. My wife was a teacher here, retired from this from Escanido Union School District. I'm ashamed of what happened and what what I heard happened. uh regarding Carol here and I'm I'm here because of this because because we we we cannot have hate in our in our community. Hate there's so much hate going on around right now. I don't I didn't I didn't write anything. I I usually write something here. So, my wife usually looks it over, but uh so I'm just kind of making this up as I'm going, folks, today. But it's so glad I'm so glad to see so so many of my fellow Escandido people here today to support Carol. I don't

064know Carol. I think we've met sometime in the past, but I don't but but we're here to support Carol because you guys didn't >> um and we will continue to support Carol. And somebody mentioned the voting booth. Yeah. So maybe some some of you people need to be voted out. Uh especially those of you who may have been complicit in coordinating that attack on Carol >> the other meeting. So I I hear there's a TV uh thing showing here. So I'm I'm showing my sign. So you know I'm not a big church goer. I'm a Christian, but I'm not a big churchgoer. But I you know I I try to live my life based upon the way Christ would live. and and what I saw what I heard and what I what I what what's

065conveyed to me about what happened at this schoolboard meeting a while back is just not acceptable and will should not and will we will not allow that to happen again. So anyway, I'm not going to take some more time but again what does my sign say? God loves everybody. Stamp out hate. Thank you very much. All right, Anna Massie. >> Hi everyone. Um, my name is Anna Brown Massie and I am here as a queer person and as an ally to our full our full rainbow alphabet to say very clearly that I have more than seven seconds. Yes. Yes, I do. [Music] >> Yeah. Cool. Cool. Cool. Um, and what the most important thing I want to really say today is that trans people belong everywhere. We belong everywhere. All queer queer people are everywhere.

066And I'm so glad that you are a leader of us, Miss Carol Journey. I'm so glad that you are part of this, that I can speak to my seven-year-old child and tell her that we have strong leaders in Escandido and that what has happened in the last month is a reminder that we need to not just tolerate queerness or accept it, but embrace it, express the full empowerment that it is awesome to be queer. It is a beautiful thing and that in this we need to be part of a community that embraces all of our students in their full diversity of who they are. We have to have this baked into our policies, into our curriculum, into everything that we do as part of a school district. So when you said this is not your

067meeting, we had a response, didn't we? Yes. This is our meeting. We are residents of Escanido. These are our schools. These are our students. The children that are not my children are my children, right? We are all leaders here, including you, including me. So, as we continue tonight, I will say that as I'm in community with people, I also am embarrassed by community members. But I tell my child and my students as a teacher that we make mistakes, all of us. And I know that the people last month made some very, very deep mistakes. and people on this board made some deep mistakes and I expect as I do of children that you will do better. Thank you. >> Hi Deb. >> Yes. >> Very good. You're on. I think we're gonna do negative time.

068Hold on one second. Let's see if we get the clock figured out here. Oh, well, >> I'm gonna be way less than three minutes. I promise. >> You're good. >> Okay. >> Good evening trustees and all that are here gathered this evening on this really, really important and meaningful topic. My name is Deb Pint and I'm the lay leader at the First Congregational Church in Escanido, a church that has a long history for extravagantly welcoming all to share God's love. In fact, our welcoming statement that we share every Sunday morning goes something like this. Whoever you are and wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. Keep that in mind because that is so much a part of our journey with Carol. Just a few short years ago, Carol attended our worship service

069because she was seeking out an open and affirming church. Since that initial visit, she's become a valuable member of our congregation. Her strengths as a leader are well documented. They transfer from our church to the community and certainly to this school board. She brings to our church and to this board, I believe, strategic thinking, intellection, compassion, and empathy. qualities that have an impact positively in the lives and experience of students wherever they are on their journey. As a former educator, I've interacted with numerous school boards, including this one a number of years ago throughout my career. Serving students with their best interests in mind is noble, and I applaud you for that. I thank Carol for her service and willingness to be transparent and honest with herself and with her constituents. As a community, let

070us remember that love conquers hate and all lives matter. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. All right, Lori Hatley and then uh Reverend Diana Agsburgger and then Susie Hansen. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Lorie Hatley and I've known and been friends with board member Durnney and his wife who tragically passed away about one year ago for over 20 years. Board member Durnney has faithfully served on the school board here for many years and another commission in the city of Escanido. Personally, the way I believe this should be handled is we should just be questioning board member Durnney at some point if his opinions and beliefs are still the same as they were when he was elected three years ago. Is board member Durnney still a Republican? Is board member Durnney still holding

071the same conservative beliefs? Does board member Durnney still hold the same values when elected three years ago? If not, and people disagree, then don't vote. Vote for board member Durnney when up for reelection next year. If board member Durnney still has the same values that we voted for, then there is nothing to be objectionable about. Let the seat remain and just vote next year. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Uh Diana Osberger. There you go. Thank you. >> My name is Reverend Diana Auxberger. I'm a minister at First Congregational Church in Escanido where we are proud to have Carol Durnney as an active member. The Jesus we know did not turn people away and neither do we. The reality is that about 10% of the population, including the staff and students that you serve, are

072not binary, but are gender variant. This board above all groups should model behavior that respects all people as your guidelines do require rather than allowing harassment and bullying of people who may seem different in some way. Our young people and community require no less. >> Good evening. My name is Susie Hansen. I've been a resident and voter in Escanido since 1980. My son attended school here in Escanido. I was ashamed for this governing body and the students who look up to you as leaders by the hateful speech and contact conduct that was allowed to carry on at the last school board meeting. I am proud to know Carol Durnney and to call her friend. Her journey over the past two years may have changed how she appears to be on the outside, but on the

073inside here in her heart, she is still the thoughtful, compassionate person who is elected to represent the people of District 2. On the landing page of your website is the district's assurance assurance of non-discrimination. It says, "Escandido Union High School District prohibits discrimination, harassment, intimidation, bullying based on actual or perceived ancestry, age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or parental status, or association with a person or group with one or more of these actual or perceived characteristics. I respectfully ask that you live up to that policy and here on the board of trustees and to enforce it throughout the district. You owe it to your students, their parents, and the people who elected to pres represent them. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right,

074the next three speakers, it looks like it's uh TJ Muer, Rachel Browen, and Patricia Steepnik. So, if uh TJ is available, there you go. Thank you for coming up. And then after that, it'll be Rachel Browen and um Patricia Steen. Thanks, Mike. >> Good evening, trustees and Carol supporters. My name is TJ Muser and I'm an Escanido resident. Carol, I witnessed your courage at the last meeting where you said to your community, "My name is now Carol." That simple act might seem small, but it was powerful. And I want to thank you for coming out that night. I myself am a member of the LGBTQ community, and I am here tonight to celebrate you as one of our sisters. You are the type of role model our young people need. Someone willing to live authentically

075even when it's hard. And let's be honest, it isn't easy. But what followed after was shameful. Speaker after speaker, mostly dragged in from outside of Escanido, Salana Beach, Oceanside, Tmacula, San Bernardino. That's not our community. They came to hurl insults at you and to misgender you, mock your body, and tried to strip you of your basic humanity. But you did not let them. Their transphobia and harassment was coordinated, cruel, and beneath the dignity of our community. What does that say to the students in our schools? that their identities are up for debate, to be mocked and harassed in front of a cheering crowd. What message does that send to a kid who's already struggling to feel safe and seen? Is cruelty acceptable here in Escandido? I refuse to accept that. And this did not happen

076by accident. No. In fact, it was a coordinated attack promoted in advance by political operatives. Worst of all, it appears it was done by one of your own colleagues. We now know this wasn't just random. It was promoted by Gary Cass of Reclaim San Diego. He even had Mary Weller, Bob's own wife, on his podcast, and she's called Gary a friend. Was Gary and his acolytes appearance just a mere coincidence here? Or was Bob Weller helping orchestrate Carol's public humiliation? Hi, Bob. I see that smile. Through his wife's connection to Gary by conspiring with outside extremists and to target and humiliate a fellow trustee, you have forfeited your moral right to lead. Bob, you and Gary turned our community into a stage for your cruelty. You have failed your oath. You have failed this board.

077and you have failed our kids. Escandido deserves better. And for the good of this district, I demand your resignation. Hate has no place in Escandido. And we stand with Carol loudly, proudly, and without apology. [Applause] So, um, the next speaker is Rachel Brownin, and can we help her with the mic someone, please? >> What's What's the plan? We, um, we spent a lot of money to redo this whole boardroom, but it seems like we didn't pay any attention to people who can't stand up. This is not your responsibility, Hannah. This is the responsibility of the board. So, under the law, you need >> All right. Can President Weller, let's take a President Weller, perhaps we take a five minute recess and let's staff handle these logistics. Not Oh, it's working. >> While we're preparing that,

078the next three speakers after her will be Patricia Steppnik, uh, Richard Gardner, and Charles Goodman. Someone can people hear me? Good evening. In 1995, I was invited to join the faculty and high school. Good evening. In 1995, I was invited to join the faculty of Orange Glenn High School. Throughout my career, I taught English at all levels, usually three preps at a time. My expertise spans the grades in ELD2, AP Lit. I also taught AP art history and AVID. Tonight, I would like to briefly discuss a few of the texts I taught once in English 9. Nth graders need to be acculturated into the values of our school community. Perhaps the most important value is empathy. Literature is a powerful tool. In English 9, we used the theme of outsiders as an armature which would

079allow us to link seemingly disperate texts. We investigated the ways the characters are pushed to the margins of society because of perceived difference. In the canonical text of Men, Lenny and George are two migrant farm workers trying to ek out a living during the Great Depression. Without family or property, they are pushed from farm to farm in the Central Valley. Lenny is cognitively challenged. The stalwart companion George makes it possible for Lenny to get jobs. Jobs that Lenny quickly loses. My students witness the way that another character crooks is pushed out of the bunk house and forced to live in the barn because he is black. Curley's wife, only 16, is the only woman on the ranch. She is an outsider because of her gender. Her outsider status is accentuated by the fact that of

080all the characters, only she is nameless. race, disability, gender push these characters outside of mainstream society. They are outcasts. My students were always justifiably outraged. They also began to consciously catalog the way that people are marginalized. By the time we read To Kill a Mockingbird, they were astute at tracing the dynamics of power, who is mentally ill and regarded as a monster by seven-year-old Scout. Tom Robinson is denied a just trial because he is a black man in 1930s Alabama. Scout herself is bullied by her aunt because she wears overalls instead of dresses. And perhaps most shocking to my students was the brutal realization that all the adults in Makeome know that Mel Ule has long been a victim of incest. None of the good god-fearing folks of Makeome intervene because she is white trash

081from a family who lives beside the town dump. These texts make concrete the way society constructs people as outsiders as other. These texts intensified and clarified my students inter intuitive reserves of empathy. My young students just kids really were easily able to do what Attekus implores Scout to do. Stand in someone else's shoes. Thank you. [Music] Thank you. The next speaker will be Patricia Steepnik. >> Stanic. Thank you so much. >> That's right. Thank you. Hi, my name is Patricia Stanic. Um, I born and raised in Escandido, Cougars, class of 88. Um, and now I am a teacher in Eskanido um, for the district and I I have a student who is an EOHSD student as well. Um, and along with everyone else here, I was appalled to hear to read the actual transcript of

082the words that came out of people's mouths at the last meeting. And I emailed each of you last week, so you you you've already heard from me. you already know um my disgust at the at the things that came about. Um and so I want to share with you um for the moment um we still live in a democratic republic and not a theocracy. For the moment there is freedom of religion and freedom for religion uh freedom from religion in our public institutions and I support each person's right to pursue religion in their own way to pursue their spirituality or do not to and that is your right that is the beauty of our constitution that we just had these students uh swear to uphold. Um, it is not within the realm of our constitution

083to force your version of religion, your interpretation of your book on anybody else. You don't get to do that. You do not get to dictate other people's spirituality nor judge them for how they live out their life. There are many faiths, including Christians, that embrace the queer community. So people who are here, they do not speak for everybody. The people of Escandido, we are not monolithic. Um we are diverse and we need our board to represent that diversity as well. And now I would like to um share today at lunchtime, you know, there's always kids in the classroom and today at lunch the conversation came around. I was overhearing kids talk and they knew about what happened. Do you remember how they said that kids listen and they know what's happening? They're watching you. They

084heard about that and the conversation came about. And so I happened I said you know there's a board meeting tonight. I'm going to be going to speak and oh what are you going to say? And I said well what would you like me to say if you could go? What would you say? What do you want me to say? So here's what I wrote down. They said tell her Carol tell her that we love her and support her. Tell her that we need her there. Not just that we accept her there, but that we need her there. Tell her that we need role models of LGBTQ people in power. So, Carol, my students, they want you here. Thank you. The next three speakers will be Richard Gardner, Charles Goodman, and then Steve Sly. >> All

085right. Um, I've been living in Escadoo for a little over 20 years. My wife graduated from Orange Glenn, a patriot. Somebody was here. and my children graduated from San Pasqual. So I have some reason to be here I suppose to people I guess yes or last time. So I'm here just because of that period um that was totally incomprehensible but maybe not. Our current environment is wiping out people like Carol. Um the president military um Republicans don't believe in checks and balances, believe in authoritarianism. And we hope that maybe in the next election we can maybe put some checks. That comes that goes now to the election here for this board. you know, if there's some card carrying Republicans, I view Republicans as existential threats to the country. So, there you have it. Anyway, um

086I was curing my children about their experiences in high school and they said, "Did you have any trans students?" And they said, "Oh, yeah. We had one who committed suicide." Schools are supposed to be safe. That's part of your responsibility. I hope that you continue to do that. And I guess my last question kind of political, you believe that slavery was not that bad as our president thinks. Thank you. [Applause] >> That was Richard Gardner, right? Okay. Thanks. Um and then Charles Goodman. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Good evening, board members. Trusty Durnney, I firmly support your freedom of expression. In fact, it's a protected right, a right granted by God, outlined in our constitution. We affirm it in our pledge pledge of allegiance, one nation under God. We all should exercise that right responsibly,

087especially those in public office. Expressions are also free to be challenged by other expressions, as I'm here to do today. school board. Transgenderism is a mental illness that is pervasive in Western society today. >> The official medical diagnos please give him the courtesy that they've all given everyone else. Thank you. >> The official medical diagnosis is gender dysphoria. Did you know that a study from the CDC in 2023 revealed roughly 26% of transgender and questioning high school students reported a suicide attempt in the past year, far higher than their non-questioning peers. The US the UCLA Williams Institute also produced a study revealing roughly 81% of transgender adults have committed suicide in their lifetime. 42% have attempted. My point is gender dysphoria is a mental delusion that can cause one to think and do drastic and

088harmful things. And the thing about delusions, you don't realize you're having one while you're having one. Some groups would advocate for gender affirming care. This is a euphemism for enablement. This is akin to a mother with a huge and caring heart giving her alcoholic son more alcohol because he says he desperately needs it. That is not love. That is harm. You've heard the statement, "Love is love." That is a gross misinterpretation because love without truth is harmful. This is relevant to the school board because while Trusty Durnney is obviously free to express himself in his personal life, when he takes that chair, >> when he takes that chair, he is responsible as a public figure to the people and more so to the children of Escandido. Harboring a delusion that has staggering suicide rates is

089not a responsible action. Trusty Durnney, you stated you read scripture at your church recently. that you might know that you are remarkably and wonderfully made and that before you were formed in the womb, he knew you. God did not make a mistake, but the world might deceive you and convince you. So that brings me to my final statement on the world and deception. In my former career, I was an intelligence officer working specifically with our special warfare community outside the United States. I have seen with my own eyes the plans and psychological warfare adversary nations have used seeking to deceive and divide us. Adversary nations seek to subvert our ideas and our strengths, including that we are one nation under God. Do you think every inflammatory comment, post, and article you see in social media

090is real? Many are adversarial nation computer bots set up to sow discord. I have personally seen how many activs receive funding from sources that are working to undermine the United States. What we can count on though is the inherent truths and values that made this nation great, including a man is a man and a woman is a woman. Board members, I charge you to take solemnly the pledge you have made at the beginning of this meeting and take action. Thank you. >> Thank you. [Music] Next speaker will be Steve Sly. >> Yeah. Hi, good evening everyone. I'm Steven Sly. I'm a resident of Escanido. I'm a teacher um and a union member and it's pretty fun to have to follow that one up. Um I'm honestly I'm tired of folks with verse in their heart

091and a verse in their mouth and hate in their heart just walking around saying these types of things. I'm tired of Christian nationalists. I'm tired of white supremacists. I'm I'm tired of all this. I'm tired of those who want to impose their understanding of a book onto all of us. Um I'm I'm honestly so sick of it. Um the way this community though is showing up today is massively important. And this is what we have to do. We have to show up all of the time, right? The way that the adults respond to this situation is how we teach young people to show up. And I've watched all the young people in here nodding along. They understand the assignment. They know that hate isn't what we want. They know. They know that what that last

092speaker was saying is loony. It is actually insane. Okay, I'm okay to call it out. It's fine. That's what we need to do. We can't sit here and actually be delusional. That is delusional. The way adults show up, the way the community shows up, overwhelmingly people are here to support Carol. Overwhelmingly, people want to let people live their lives authentically. Carol, it is very brave for you to live your authentic life. Especially out here when I drive by the MAGA house every day, and it freaks me out. It's gross. It is not what it's not the community I want to live in. It is not the way that I think Escandido is. There was a no kings march and there were thousands of people out there that were standing against all this stuff. All of

093it is linked. The way we know that there's attacks on trans people. We know there's attacks on queer people. We know there's attacks on immigrants. All this oppression is linked. And where do we actually get to stand up for it? We get to stand up for it in school boards. Um I get to come up here and have my three minutes to say what I want, which is also kind of insane. Um I mean it truthfully is. But in schools, in school boards, in these institutions, we actually get to stand up. And if you don't stand up, history will judge you. >> You will be on the wrong side. We know the right side. The right side is caring for people. The right side is listening. The right side is empathy. The right side is

094not exerting or putting your religion onto everyone else. That is not the right side. Worship how you want in in the privacy of your own home. Do what you need to. take care of yourself. If you even want to pray for me, fine. Go for it. Okay, that is okay. But what we saw in public last month is disgusting. It needs to be called out. And this is the way that the community has to show up every time. I hope you're ready to come to every one of these board meetings for the rest of forever. This is what we've had to do at Oceanside and we will continue to do this. Keep showing up. Thanks everyone. All right, the next three speakers are Rita Guerrera, Jessica Young, and Sharon Wy. Can you hear me? >>

095Can hear you. >> All right. My name is Rita Gera and I and I come before you today as a school counselor who has proudly served the students and families of this district for over 20 years. [Applause] specifically at the school that was recently described quite heartbreakingly as being beyond help. I also speak to you as a parent of a student in the district and a committed taxpayer in the city of Escandido. I want to be very clear. I am deeply upset and concerned by the rhetoric I heard from some of our board members at LA at at the last meeting. As a professional, a parent, and a member of the community, I cannot and will not await. I cannot and will not accept ignorance or the continued microaggressions, whether conscious or unconscious, that have

096come from the individuals elected to lead and serve our students. To say that one of our schools is beyond help is not just disrespectful, it's harmful. It undermines the tireless work of educators, the resilience of our students, and the trust of the community. This kind of language tells our students and families, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, that they are not worth the investment, the effort, or the belief. And to suggest turning that school into a vocational site raises an important question. If a trade focused high school isn't something you'd accept for your white, middle, or upper class children, why would it be appropriate for our students of color, many of whom live at or below the poverty line? That is a microaggression, and we need to call it what it is. >> We live in

097we live in a country that calls itself the land of the free and the home of the brave. But as author Deb Debbie Irving reminds us, white people are the free and people of color need to be brave. Brave enough to keep showing up. Brave enough to keep advocating for equity. Brave enough to keep fighting for schools and students that others want to give up on. Let me tell you something. Our students are not beyond help. Our school is not beyond hope. What we need from the board is not abandonment. We need leadership. Leadership that listens, that reflects, that acts in the best interest of all students and not just some. I have yet to hear the board say to our students and families and staff, "We see you. We will protect you." Especially our

098most vulnerable students, English language learners, foster youth, LGBTQ plus students, students and disabilities, students of color, migrant and undocumented students that are living in poverty. It is your obligation, your duty to listen to us, to respond with actions that are equitable and grounded in compassion, not deficit thinking. Poverty and inequality shape the path of students life. But schools can be a place where the path ch where where that path changes when we provide access, opportunity, and hope. I urge this board to step back and reflect. Examine the language you're using. Ask yourselves, would I be okay if this were said about my own child? Because until the answer is yes, you are feeling you are failing the very people who swore that you swore to serve. Thank you. All right. So, we are on speaker

09927, Jessica Young, and then Sharon Wy and Scott Herman. And we're on track to take a break for five or 10 minutes at 8 o'clock. Um, you get to speak. >> Good evening, members of the cabinet and board. This school year marks my 18th year in this district. My teaching career is, in fact, as old as the seniors in my classroom. In the past, I've addressed you as Jessica Young. But what you may not know is that beyond the confines of my classroom, my name is legally Jessica Rogers. Does that change who I am or what I believe in? During my tenure, I've stood before you many times. As both an educator and a union leader, I've often been bewildered by the choices that our district has made. As a professional in this field, I've

100often been marginally insulted by the priorities laid out by this governing body. But never in my 18 years here have I ever been as ashamed and disgusted by the choices made or condoned by our board as I was in the wake of last month's meeting. Let's first address the disparaging comments made about Orange Glenn. the suggestion that our campus would better serve this community as a trade or vocational school. The assumption made by each of you that our students have no greater aspirations than working in a bluecollar field. While there are plenty of service industry related careers that students across our districts could pursue, it is an insult to each student and teacher at Orange Glenn to assume that our population has no hope of amounting to anything more or is not capable of pursuing

101other paths. Orange Glenn has some of our district's highest needs students. Does that mean they're not capable? Absolutely not. Rather than discount them, let's provide them with the resources and the support that they need instead of writing them off as a lost cause, as this body put it. Part of my job as an educator is to create an environment where my students feel safe, respected, and supported. I cannot expect students to take risks in their learning, share their experiences, embrace new opportunities if they don't feel like I'm there to help them achieve. I have worked tirelessly to make sure that my students know I have their backs. I see them that I will be here for them and that I will always, no matter what, fight for them and fight for what is right. And

102I am speaking to you tonight to do just that. I am standing up for every student in my classroom and every person in this community who has been otherred by the comments made and allowed by this body. I am using my privilege and my power to let each of you know that I will not stand by and allow a group of narrow-minded individuals to belittle others for any reason whether it be race, religion, gender identity, political beliefs or otherwise. Your own board policy denounces this behavior. Yet you have allowed attacks on members in this very room and in fact you have encouraged them. Whether you understand or approve of the choices another human being makes does not give you the right to degrade or disparage those choices. I don't understand Jenko jeans. I don't degrade

103the children who wear them in my class. To do so only shows your own ignorance and inhumity. I'm here tonight to defend those that you have tried to silence. I am here tonight to stand up for those who are too afraid to speak up. I am here tonight so that I can walk into my classroom tomorrow with pride knowing that I set an example for my students and I showed them what it looks like to be brave, to speak truth to power, and to let you know I will not back down. And as my students and my husband can tell you, you don't want to mess with Miss Young or Mrs. Rogers when she's on a mission. I will see you next month. >> All right, we have Sharon Wy, then Scott Herman, and then

104Tim Owen. Looks like Jim Bowen. Anyway, uh Sharon, you're on. >> Good evening. I'm Reverend Sharon Wy, the minister at Chalice Unitarian Universalist Congregation here in Escandido. I am here to speak in strong support of Carol Durnney, a dedicated public servant who has come out as a transgender woman while in office. That decision took courage and she continues to lead with the same integrity, thoughtfulness, and commitment that earned her this position in the first place. At last month's meeting, some suggested that she should resign. Let's be honest about what that's really about. It's not about her performance. It's about her identity. And that is not a valid reason to remove someone from public service. Her transition does not disqualify her from leadership. On the contrary, it shows strength, honesty, and deep personal integrity. The exact

105qualities we want in people making decisions for our schools. She was elected to serve. She is still serving and she deserves our respect. Let's also be clear, what we're seeing isn't local discomfort. It's part of a broader organized effort to use anti-trans fear and misinformation to disrupt communities like ours. These tactics aim to divide us, to stir up suspicion and host hostility, and to drive capable, compassionate people out of public service. We can't let that happen here. We need to stand up not just for Miss Durnney but for the kind of inclusive, fair, and respectful community that Escandido hopes to be. In our Unitarian Universalist faith, we are guided by six core values with love at the center. One of these values is pluralism, the belief that we are all sacred beings, diverse in culture,

106experience, and theology. We believe that our differences in identity, experience, and belief are sacred and essential to a thriving community. I look forward to seeing Miss Durn's name, photo, and email address updated on the board and school district websites. Thank you, Miss Durnney, for your example and for your courage. I stand with you. Scott Herman. >> Scott Herman, if you're still here, Scott Herman, are you Scott? >> Yes. >> Okay, thanks. Um, California when I first moved here in the 80s was top of the right up there in the top five of the school um scoring for is right up there near the bottom five. uh you have no right to you you uh this LGBT agenda is sinful. It's sin. You cannot create God in your own image. And that's what you're doing. You

107have you're you're building your house on sand. You need to build on the rock. What what is your all all you clergy that are here? Uh God is going to say to you when you stand before him, I never knew you. You're you do you define hate speech in your own terms, but hate speech is not relative. There is such thing as absolute truth. And it's in the Bible. when you may quote the Bible, but you leave out all the verses that would say that homosexuality is a sin and transgender is a sin. So again, I would repeat, you cannot, you clergy that are here, you cannot create God in your own image, and that's what you're doing. Where where are you getting your standard of truth from? You're you're just making it up as

108you go. It's not in the Bible. Yeah, you you know a few verses from the Bible, but you do not quote the verses that are disagree with you. So again, this you you people here are are thieves because you're stealing other people's children. Transgender people don't have children. Homosexuals don't have children. >> So, so you you believe you have a right. >> Let it finish. >> Instead of >> Scott, let's see. >> Uh Scott, come this way with your comments, please. >> Okay. You you so you go after other people's children. Uh this is not school is about math, science, history, not all this. This is garbage. And that's why California is at the bottom of the 50 states even though we spend almost the most of any state on per student except for a

109handful of others. So, I just I guess I guess that'll be it for tonight. Thank you very much. >> All right. Our next speaker, it looks like Jim Bowen. Bowen, please forgive me. It >> Hey, Jim. What's your last name? >> Bowen. Thank you. >> Yeah, I'm Jim Bowen. I'm a resident of Escanido. I've been here for 34 years. Um, I want to thank the board for allowing me to speak and thanks especially Miss Durnney uh for your courage in making this transition while in a public facing role. I know this has not been an easy road. Um, before I transitioned many years ago from being an elementary school teacher to studying becoming a software developer, I too was frightened. I was risking my livelihood and I didn't know if I had the requisite skills

110to be a software developer. But I pursued and it worked out okay for me. Unlike you though, I did not have to face comments from people I had never met who wanted to tell me why I was wrong and that I was going to suffer eternally. In summary, I congratulate and support you. Now to the business at hand. I read a flyer that was inviting people who were kind of against you to come to the meeting and I have some topics I want to ask about. Um board members, please raise your hand if you support radical agendas that threaten >> Excuse me. We're not allowed to respond on a questionnaire like that. >> Okay, I'll just imagine. >> So I don't think any of you actually support radical agendas that threaten family values. I don't

111think any of you actually support secret gender transitions. I don't think any of you actually support compelled speech, whatever that is. And I don't think you actually support transdriven agendas. So, problem solve, folks. There's not an issue here. Um, if your child feels freer to talk to your teachers, their child's teachers or their counselors rather than coming home and bringing their problems to you, that's really your problem and not the school's problem. The school is here to help the kids grow, learn, and be as good as they can be. And that's all we can ask of the school. Nobody's trying to change your kids. Trust me. That's it. Thank you very much for your time. Thank you. So, it's ironic that speaker number 31 is coming right up against the hour here. It's my good

112buddy Michael. So, we I think we need to So, so Mike, we're going to push you to after our little break here and then you have more time to prepare. So, we'll see you all back in about five or 10 minutes. But take your time. You're going to need it. [Music] I know. I I turned it on already for you. We The system's muted, so we'll unmute you when we're ready for this. me. >> Oh, hey. Nice to meet you. Yes. Tonight. >> Okay. Thanks. All right. Can everybody hear me? And uh >> Okay, we're going to call this back to order. >> Hey, Mike. They won't listen to me, but they'll listen to you. >> You ready? >> I am ready. >> All right. We have the esteemed Michael Soval, then Ed Moses, and

113Victoria Nyak. So cool. Oh, wait. Hold on. We're We're David was roaming, so hold on. I'll find him. We're getting there. >> Okay. >> I got all the time, Bob. You got the money, honey. I got the time. here. >> Yeah, >> they might be hiding from the truth. All right. I think we also set a new record tonight as well for the amount of people that came back after the break. So, we're thankful that you're still here. And so, my good friend Michael Sovocool will be speaking now. [Music] >> Bob. Bob, I think you set a record because you'll be the first board president to turn the city liberal. So, thank you. Good evening, cabinet and board, especially Carol Durnney. But I'd like to officially welcome to our EUHSD community. I'm Mike Silva, and

114I speak tonight as a voter and taxpayer from Trustee Area 5. To be honest, I'd prefer not to be here speaking at all tonight, but due to the vile, offensive, hateful, and disrespectful comments logic Carol Durnney by the majority of the speakers during last month's public comment section, I felt compelled to do so. Carol, you and I haven't agreed on much over the years, but that matters not when it comes to respecting you as a human being. So, I want to let you know that I accept you for who you are, and I will respect you as Carol as we undoubtedly will continue to disagree over issues as you continue to serve as a board member. President Weller, I know that many have expressed their desire for you to have stepped in and censored some

115of the speech exercised at last month's board meeting. And while I agree that their characterization of the speech as harassing, hateful, terrible, I do not believe that it rose to a level in which the government, meaning you, should have stepped in to stop it. While it was appalling, those speakers showed us who they are, and so we can steer clear from their hate and bigotry. With free speech in mind, I have some words of my own to share with the board tonight. You all are elected to represent our community and you're entrusted with the power to address and solve issues that impact our community. So, let me share with you some of the real issues that our community has been facing. We have masked armed federal agents that are abducting without probable cause or arrest

116warrants members of our community. These community members have been here for 30 plus years, have no criminal record, and have children enrolled in our district. These abductions create a fear amongst community members that prevent students from attending school. This is an issue that impacts our community. Trans board members are not. We have gun violence that kills school children in our country at a frequency and level unseen in any other nation around the world. This creates a subconscious expectation in young people that they might die in their classroom thereby manifesting a very real visceral feeling and fear which prevents them from attending school. This is an issue that affects our community. trans board members is not. These are only two of many issues that impact our community and the ability of our students and families to

117feel safe when coming to our campuses. Yet, I've not heard one damn word from this board or the Christian nationalist cult members who cosplay as Jesus followers on Sunday that spoke from this podium last month. Speaking of Jesus, the Jesus I grew up learning about hung with the refugees, >> the prostitutes, the poor, the lepers, and the other marginalized people that were labeled undesirable by the church establishment. That Jesus wouldn't be running around with board presidents, blind guides, or other phariseaic church functionaries who are partaking in the bullying of trans people at public schoolboard meetings. That Jesus would be hanging with Carol. In closing, please remember you are here to represent our community and not the radical views of your apparent fellow churchgoers. And as such, please only concern yourself with the issues impacting our

118community and let's all work together to make it a better and safer place to live. Thank you. >> Hey, Michael. Michael, Mike, Mike, because I don't know who's going to be speaking next. You I think you're board, you're >> signed. Maybe they like it. >> Maybe, you know, they won't. I don't know. >> You know, you put me in a hard spot, Mike. You put us in a hard spot, >> but that's not a part of the the building or the >> Mr. President. >> All right. >> So, Ed Moses and then Victoria Nyak and then Paul. So, Ed Moses, you're next. and then Victoria Nyak and then Paul. Is Ed Moses still here? I'm Ed Moses. I'm a resident of Escanido for about 10 years. I'm a former teacher. I call myself a recovering

119teacher. Uh I felt it was my job when I was teaching that uh and and the subject I taught was wood shop. What we needed to do was learn to work together. Some people were very talented, some people were absolute klutzes. Uh some people were good at school work, some people weren't. There were lots of differences and we had bullies. We all needed to learn to work together. And I see what is before this group tonight is certainly a case of learning to work together, to express our differences, to honor our differences, and to learn to deal with each other honestly. Thank you. >> Thank you, Victoria Nyak. >> Hi. Welcome. Thank you. So, my name is Victoria Nyak. I'm a resident of Escandido. I've been living in San Diego County all my life and

120I'm pretty new to Escandido. I've never met Carol. I've never come to one of these meetings. I don't have Bible verses to quote. I'm not up on trans um the appropriate, you know, I'm just not up on all that. But I do know humanity. And when I read the the comments that were made last week, I wanted to cry because nobody should be talked to that way. And it's 2025 and I cannot believe that we are still having these immature arguments that people would bother to drive hours, get themselves dressed up, do their hairspray all nights, and come just to raise their Bible and beat down on somebody that they don't even know. what I I have, you know, lots of different perspectives, but I raised five children. They're all through with high school now,

121but one thing I always try to instill with in them, and I'll clean it up, but don't be a jerk. That is some advice that I had to learn also in teaching it to them and realizing when I'm pointing out what's wrong with other people, what makes me uncomfortable, that I might be being a jerk. And so what I would ask is one thing I that you know has been through my thought process and coming here is I should start coming to these meetings more. We should all be here. And I was just so angry. But coming here I tell you I'm really heartened by the love that I see and we're not marrying back the hate that went on last month. Um also my five children all vote now. Um, we have a NYAK

122family caucus and what we do is we research everybody who's been who's on the ballot. Um, so that will be happening and um, I'm just really proud to have been a part of this and good luck to you, Carol. All right, the next three speakers will be Paul, Jamie Warner, and it looks like Jenner Vitec. >> Thank you. Paul, you're up. Trustees, board president, ladies and gentlemen, while I speak from a place of love for God and family and community, I'd like to urge the board to not promote gender ideology. I would not be showing love for my neighbor and tell you, Trustee Dernie, that you're making a mentally competent decision. As an adult, I will not enable harmful behaviors in others. Europe has been down this road and realized the harm this ideology has

123had on children and abandoned this path. From a legal standpoint, transgender ideology undermines foundational principles of biology, free speech, and equal protection under the law. The US Supreme Court in Sacramentoi versus United States rightly upheld states bans on gender affirming care for minors recognizing that such intervention pose irreversible risk to vulnerable children without sufficient evidence of benefit. This ideologyy's contradictions, insisting gender is fluid while demanding legal recognition lead to compelled speech, forcing individuals and institutions to affirm identities that contradict biological reality, violating the First Amendment. The Escandido Elementary School District already has had to litigate these policies which violate teachers first amendment rights. Respect is a two-way street, and the hatred by some here for those of us who represent traditional Christian values is what has encouraged a rash of transgender mass shootings against Christians.

124As the father of high school daughters in Escandido, I want this board to consider the safety and protection of all girls. Moreover, it erodess women's rights under Title 9, allowing biological males and female sports and spaces, compromising privacy, safety, and fair competition. Recent executive actions affirm biological truth in federal policy to protect these rights. We must reject this ideology over science and justice, preserving legal integrity for all. and I would urge you to resign or face a possibility of a recall. Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you, Jamie Warner. >> Janice Warner. Um, thank you board for spending so much time tonight on this topic. Um, Trusty Journey Journey. Um, I see so many people here tonight that are concerned about you. And some are cheering you on and others like myself are concerned that you're

125going down a road that's that could lead to tragedy in the end. And I say that because I I'm at home a lot and I've been watching different YouTubes of people that have transitioned and they regret it and they wish that there had been somebody that had said, "Hey, um there's there's downsides to this that you may not know about." And at at the moment there's a tidal wave of support that as more people go down the line and and suffer the the physical um issues that can come out of it um infections and UTI and so forth. Um it's there's a lot of difficulties to it. some things I don't even want to say, but um >> in your in your position um as someone that kids look up to, it it brings something

126in their mind and as a topic that isn't something that I'd like to see the kids focused on. Um, someone earlier said that our student performance is is really lagging now other countries and other states and my preference is that that students are focused on the basics so they can find work when they get out of school because it's hard. It's so much harder now than when I graduated. And the last thing I'd like to say is that um various ones I've talked about different verses in the Bible that are important to them and they think that they think apply and and to me I think the one that comes to mind is the spirit of of or the fruit of the spirit is love and joy and peace and patience and self-discipline and longsuffering.

127Those are the things that bring wholeness and make us feel good about how we were born and and how God designed us in the womb. So, um, trustee Gurnie, I would just like you to consider those things because God does love you. He he really does. Jesus loves you and and he has a good plan for your life. So, just think about um and I know that you go to church because different ones have said that you're that you're in their church. So, um, open your Bible and see what God has to say to you about this topic because his plans are good. Um, he brings good things to us. Um, and know he says that he declares that his plans for us are good and not evil to bring us a hope in a

128future. And that's one of my favorite verses because um because it's true. So anyway, thank you. >> Thank you. So, the next three speakers look like, and please forgive when I mispronounce your name, but it's Jenner Vitec >> Vich. Thank you. And Amelia U Martinez and then Lisa Na. It looks like NA or NAVVA. There we go. All right, you go. Yeah. >> Um, members of the board and audience members, um, my name is Jenner Vch. I've been teaching in the Escanido Union High School District for 29 years and I've never spoken at a board meeting. Um there's been many issues over 29 years and we've fought for, you know, fair contracts, etc. And I've never been moved to speak. Um sometime in July, I had actually found out that Carol Durnney had changed um

129her Facebook page and therefore was apparently transitioning and I said, "I want to be there to support her." And um I missed the meeting in August and I was at home and about I think it was like 10 minutes in I said, "Oh no, it's happening." So I watched the entire thing from home horrified because I wasn't here and I felt like I needed to be here for you. Um I just wanted to be a friendly face in the audience, you know, I'm here, you know, whatever. But I had no idea that what was going to happen was going to happen. And it was really hard for me as a person who loves this district, who loves these children, who loves my co-workers, who loves and is proud to be a teacher here in Escanido

130that this was what was being said on our behalf. Um, and I have not stopped thinking about it since. So, I've asked folks and I've talked to folks and we've had conversations and I basically just kind of felt like I need it to be said that it's not okay to treat another human being that way regardless of your ideological differences about the Bible. Um, however, I am an English teacher and we do teach a unit called fake news and bias to be able to identify fake news and bias. And I would love to teach to some of uh talk to some of our um people who talked today about how to identify fake news because um that's not what I've learned about trans trans kids and trans people as far as um I think it's

131hard to be a trans person and I think if we make it harder for them then that's on us and our biases do not belong in a school district and do not belong in a school environment. I teach empathy for my children. I teach my students to be proud of who they are and I would like that to be something that is reflected at all levels of our um district at Orangeland High School right now. We are talking about what hate speech is. We're talking about being a bystander versus standing up and saying something. And so I needed to stand up today and be and be a person who said it's unacceptable and we can't allow that to continue. I see that there's this brown thing. I'm going to do some research on that and

132I may be emailing you guys about that. Um, but I just feel like it's not okay to not be able to stand up for yourself. And so I wanted to stand up for you. And I think that there's something that you guys can do as a as a board to maintain integrity and um and love and support and empathy for everybody, including yourselves. Um, and as a person who deals with children who are not um, fully formed human beings and are still learning, I will put this out in my classroom. I'm the adult and I need to take responsibility for what happens in my classroom. This is your classroom. You're the adults. I need you to take responsibility for what's going on here. Thank you. [Music] >> Thank you. All right, on this topic, we're

133down to the last three speakers. It will be Amelia Martinez, Lisa Nava, and Nathan Buramina. You are on. >> Hi, my name is Amalia Martinez and I've lived in Eskanito for over 20 years. My children went to school here. They're both grown and living their lives as kids do, but I'm sure they'd be shocked to see that there are folks here in Escanido who are stuck in an old way of thinking and of living. I am absolutely horrified to see people in our community attacking Carol for who she is. But what really shocked me is that Bob, that you allowed it. And I realized that it is highly likely that you actually arranged and coordinated that attack. And if that is true, Bob, then the real question we should be asking as a community is

134if we want people on the board attacking members for being in a protected class in our society. You were recently on a podcast that tested my gag reflex, but there was one thing you said that I agree with. You said, and I quote, "Parents need not to necessarily be protecting their kids in public education, but they need to put them out there and put them in real life situations and then come back and talk about it." So, Bob, let me introduce you to Carol, a real life situation. Now, you may not like having to serve on a board with someone you don't like, and that's politics. if I had to sit next to you on a board. I've had an issue with serving with someone who is transphobic, but I wouldn't coordinate an attack against

135you. I see that you have an alternative agenda to your actual function on this board. So, let me be clear, Bob. We see you. We see exactly what you are doing, and we will not be silent about it. We want our students to be authentically who they are. It is on Carol to be herself. It is on the rest of us to adjust. There was once a time where women could not hold office. There was once a time where black Americans couldn't sit anywhere on a bus. And there was once a time when interracial and LGBTQ couples could not marry. And guess what? All those things happened. And America adjusted. And the world didn't end. And as a matter of fact, the country has been made better for it. If I have to live through

136Trump changing the names of military bases to honor Confederate traders to this country. If I have to live through Trump changing the name of the USS Harvey Milk. If I if we all have to live through the name change of the Department of Defense to Department of War, then you all can certainly call Carol by her name. >> If we it it isn't that hard to be a decent human being. But it must have been extremely hard for Carol to be able to finally express who she is. Now, Bob, if you think you can just freely call your minions on your Bible thumping bat phone to come and attack one of our Escandido board members, then I'm just going to assume that you like me coming here on a regular basis and trust that I

137have absolutely no issue doing that. What I find interesting, Bob, is that you're trying to change the way leadership is selected on this board. But Bob, maybe you should actually worry about having your seat in the first place. You're coming up on the ballot. Shift your priorities. Carol, this is not the first time I've seen you. My son and I actually went to your church and listened while you told your story. We were honored to have been there to hear you. Please don't even consider resigning. Do not let hate win. You are lovely and the high school students of Escanido are fortunate that you are serving them. Thank you. >> Thank you. All right. Lisa Nava. Good evening board. Thank you for allowing all of these people to speak in a timely manner um before

13811 o'clock at night. My name is Lisa Nava, she her pronouns. I am the director of operations at the North County LGBTQ Resource Center and we serve all of North County, 13 cities in North County. We serve a lot of people right here in Escanido, students, adults, and allies. I'm here tonight to tell you about our mission. Our mission is to serve, empower, and advocate for the diverse community of North County San Diego. And we do not have a secret agenda. Our agenda is to help the community, both heterosexual allies, and the LGBTQ community. Because when LGBT people rise, the whole community rises. I want to tell you that a lot of people talked about anti-discrimination. What's on your website, what you talk about here, those laws are California laws. They are not up for

139negotiation. You cannot discriminate, harass, bully anyone according to their identity, including the school board member. That is against the law in California. You want to change the trajectory of that, change the law in California. But while you're in California, abide by the anti-discrimination laws that you're bound to serve. Finally, I'd like to say that tonight, I've been to a lot of school board meetings. I'm very proud of this crowd for how they be behaved themselves and uh proud of the board for allowing everybody to speak. There was an email today from Reclaim California, a disgusting email that I saw and I read. disgusting hate rhetoric against people who identify differently than than you may. And I want to say tonight that we reclaimed Escandido School Board as a community. We reclaimed it and we were

140going to show up every time. Anyone that wants to visit the North County LGBT Center, we bought our first building in the Oceanside. 17,000 square feet of glorious, colorful, diverse, beautiful trans joy, LGBT joy. >> There is joy in this community. There is not religious deficit. And we celebrate trans joy and LGBT joy every single day. And you should, too. Thank you. And our final speaker on this topic will be Nathan Buramina, our board uh student board member, >> guys. Um so hello to the board and to everyone else who has shown up tonight. I know I thought I was done, too. Um first and foremost, I want to thank every single person for coming. Um, I'm sure most of us have established a point and are willing to go home now, but I'd like

141to acknowledge my partner Janet Ibrahim, who is clearly way busier than I am tonight. Um, though Hannah and I have differing views for religiously, we don't let these beliefs get in the way of showing compassion, kindness, and respect to each other. Tonight, I ask both the board and the audience that you show the same respect for each other and that you lead an example for our student body. Our society can't progress if younger generations don't have an empathetic role model to rely on. Tonight, I stand here not to represent the student interest, but to represent the student collective and diversity. As a member of the LGBTQ and an officer of my school's Christian athlete program myself, it is most important. It is of most importance to me that everyone else who stands in this room

142not only acknowledges the impact of their opinions um and what they do to students such as me, the students who are the same reason everyone is here tonight, but what political system that sets up for schools in the future and what environment that sets up for our children. Because at the end of the day, your children's identity should not be a political statement. To those here tonight, thank you for a memorable first board meeting. And to Mrs. Durnney, thank you for showing me that nothing can stop me from succeeding in the fields I work in. Thank you. All right, thank you all so much for being here tonight for all your comments. We appreciate it greatly. And uh we're now going to move on to section F, educational services division. And there are a number

143of items on there that have asterisks next to them that were approved on the consent calendar. And so items one and two were approved on the consent calendar. So, now we need to do something that's a little different and it's called a public hearing. And so, I'll read item number three. And if you feel like you need to go, feel free to step out. Thank you for coming tonight. um public hearing to receive comments from the public regarding the proposed resolution R 2025 to 20263 certifying sufficiency of textbooks and materials that are aligned to the content standards and are consistent with the curriculum framework cycle adopted by the state board of education. Um, I'm conduct the public hearing in compliance with the education code 60119 that EUHSD has sufficient textbooks and materials for each pupil

144that are aligned to the content standards and are consistent with the curriculum framework by the state board of education. So, I'm going to open up the public hearing. Uh, let's see. I'll use my watch, which is an analog watch. It's probably a bad idea. I'll look at my phone. uh at 8:36 and do we have any comments from people um regarding um these items? All right, hearing no comments, we also end the public hearing at 8:36 and that moves us down to item F4. Dr. Kauus, I did not let you speak at all during that. Did you need to say anything on that? Okay. >> I can provide context for the board before you take action on F4 if you'd like. >> Sure. >> Yeah. Annual resolution that certifies that every student has access to

145a copy of the board approved instructional materials and textbooks for every course. Staff goes through an extensive internal audit process to meet Williams compliance within the first week of the school year uh to meet the compliance state. >> Thank you. All right. So then item four now is adopting that resolution R certifying that Escandido Union High School District has sufficient textbooks materials that are aligned to the content standards and are consistent with the curriculum framework cycle adopted by the state board of education. So can I get a motion to adopt resolution? >> I move to adopt the resolution. >> I second. >> Okay, we have a first and second. Do we have any uh let's see it says here discussion. So superintendent there's a section here that talks about discussion. I don't do we need

146Right. Right. Does anybody uh would anybody like to discuss uh any of the items on there? Looks like uh Trusty Vincent maybe. >> Yeah. I just have a quick question regarding the science aspect of things. Has that been put on the dashboard? Are we required now? Is that part of the overall curriculum as part of graduation? I think to answer your question, the California dashboard has now uh been updated to show progress in the California State Assessment in Science and it will be published sometime in December. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate that. >> All right. Since it looks like there's no further discussion, call for the vote. All in favor to approve it, say I. >> I. >> Motion >> I. >> Thank you. And the motion passes. Okay. Oh, and then back

147to student board member. How do you vote? >> It would be I. >> Yeah. Okay. Thank you. All right. That motion passes. Um, let's see here. So then item number five,formational update about the agriculture program at Sasqual High School. Uh staff will update the board about the current and future status of agriculture education at Sasquel High School. This is not an action item. This is an information item only. Um before I call these cards to speak, is there anything that we want to um say? Normal practice is to take public comment first. Okay. That presentation. >> Okay. Very good. All right. So then um we have looks like about 15 cards here and thank you for those that I think John did. So the first speaker will be um Ken Clark. The second speech speaker

148will be Angelina uh ODA and the third will be Jason Schaefer. And you have three minutes. And Okay, Mr. Clark, you are on. >> Thank you. I appreciate the uh opportunity. Um, my name is Ken Clark and I'm here to speak on behalf of Marne Wallace in the FFA program at Sasquel High School, my granddaughter Giovana Schaefer, and the other students currently involved in the program. What I'm hoping to accomplish or hoping to hear back from the board is an understanding of the level of commitment towards the program, not just from you, but also from the school administration. Um there's been some recent developments that um kind of put that into question about at what level or depth that commitment is. We've as a family working with Marne have developed a pretty comprehensive plan. You

149saw part of the recruitment plan that my granddaughter uh gave you last week, but we've gone through and highlighted some other things like meeting with with Dne to talk about more business and community involvement in the program. We wanted to talk with alumni about doing internships for some of the kids. We thought that if we got more of the community involved in this that we could build a much more robust program. But before we put forth all of that effort and energy, we needed to make sure that we have the commitment of the board not just for a a year or two, but this was a a program that you actually believed in and were willing to support going forward. There's been some recent developments at San Pasqual High School. Both my daughter-in-law and I

150reached out to the new assistant principal who is in charge of the CTE programs to schedule a meeting and were told that it wasn't necessary that we were to run all of our questions or issues through Marne. I find that extremely unacceptable. I responded back to her. In fact, I've given David copies of all the emails. Um, it's that lack of commitment or lack of support that concerns me. Before we start marching down and trying to develop this program, we need to know that you all are committed to it. So, there's a number of speakers tonight that'll go into more detail, but I'm hoping hopefully before we leave here tonight, you'll be able to convince us that you really do believe in the program. Thank you. >> Thank you. Looks like Angelina and >> Logan.

151Um, good evening. My name is Angelina and parent of Jovana Schaefer who serves as the vice president of the Sasqual FFA chapter. I want to begin by asking will everyone here tonight who supports the SAS school agricultural and FFA program please stand? Thank you. I also want to ask now is there any school administrators present tonight from San Pascal High School? Is our teacher present? Thank you. Now, I want to recognize and thank our agricultural teacher who continues to show up for these students, for the families, and for the program. Your presence tonight represents commitment, dedication, and heart. But I also must call out who's missing, our administrators from San Pasqual. Their absence isn't just disappointing, it's telling. When leadership doesn't even take the time to be in the room, it shows where their priorities

152lie. And the program cannot be rebuilt without leadership at the table. Teachers cannot carry this alone. Families and students cannot carry it alone. We need administrators, not just signing papers, but to physically show up, listen, and act. Tonight, we stand with our teacher, but we also stand united and saying the administration must do better. You want to claim you support students? improve it by showing up. Um, there's a few things happening currently. I have one friend of Jovanas who is trying to get into the vet science class. She submitted her paperwork first week of school to ask for a transfer and she's a new student at Sasqual. We're now in our third week of school. The counselor has not reached back out to her or given her any guidance on why she hasn't been transferred

153into the program. Um, second of all, I recently had about a 20-minute conversation with Mrs. Kramer. She called me on the phone because we had out reached out to her. I asked for an in-person meeting with her to talk about all these great ideas we have, which I did present to all of you on the board, dropped off folders a couple weeks back. Hopefully, you all got a chance to review them and look at them. We're a group of action, not a group of words. Um, unfortunately, her response to me is, "I just don't think a meeting is necessary." So, I told her on the phone, "Let me at least drop off these packets to you. Let me show you what we've shown the board." I dropped them off last Thursday. As of today, I

154have not received a response from her. I think it's time to move forward. Stop looking at the past mistakes. Stop placing blame on the past, but start looking at what the future can be and given the giving the students a fair and fighting chance to build a better program than the past to build a viable program. We're ready to take action, but we cannot without clarity from the board administration as to what the future of the program holds. Thank you. The next three speakers will be Jason Schaefer, Emily Ryan, and Giovana Schaefer. Like your hat. >> Thank you. Good evening. Um, I'm Jason Schaefer. I'm Giovana Schaefer's father. We are here again tonight to bring more community support, more student support, and supporting our teacher. We brought you ideas, recruitment plans, booster plans, crossplatform A

155and FFA ideas and still we have no comment from the board or administration. How do we go forward? We have examined the past. We have asked to help build a better future. We now need to know what inspired to excuse me. We need to know we need to now be inspired to move forward with what we've learned. We are running out of words and waiting for action. We have an energetic group of kids, teachers, family, and community, but we do not have the support of the board or the administration. Thank you, Emily Ryan. By the way, when the FFA students come in your uniform, it's so impressive. So, thank you so much for coming in uniform. It really shows your commitment and your pride and your order to things. So, thank you so much for

156doing that. Last time I came here, last time I stood before you, I was reading a speech on behalf of Luciana Tjo, one which I didn't know I was going to be reading at all. I originally just planned to show my silent support because I was too nervous and couldn't find the right words to describe how much this program means to me and countless others. But now I can see after being given the opportunity to opportunity to read out another person's feelings that no matter how uncomfortable it may seem at first, silence is not an option. It is necessary to stand up for what I believe is right. So, I wanted to dress to address you all tonight in my own words. This program has helped me through so much. I remember my freshman year,

157I heard they had an animal bio class and I was so excited. I'd always known that this was the pathway I wanted to go down. I originally just planned to be an ordinary member, but then I saw the officer team. I saw the bond that they shared and how confident and charismatic they all were. And I wanted to be like that, to have that connection, to be that confidence in myself. So the next year I applied to be the Sentinel and I got the position. I was excited but also nervous because I've never been in a leadership role before and I couldn't imagine others looking up to me for answers. But as I went on, I got more and more comfortable with the officer team, the chapter, and being in charge of people. I knew

158that I had found my place where I could be me freely with no judgment from anyone else. And for the first time in my life, I felt like I truly belonged. It saddens me to think about this program shutting down. A program that is which has helped me so much and could help other people like me find new meaning and purpose in life. So members of the board, I beseech you to reconsider shutting down the program that had so that holds so much meaning in our future. >> Thank you. So, the next three speakers will be Giovana Schaefer, Charlie Stone, and Kate Foster. Good evening, board members, administrators, teachers, and parents and students. My name is Jovana Schaefer, and I'm proud to serve as the FFA vice president at Sapisville High School. I'm here tonight

159because I care deeply about the future of the agriculture and FFA program at SAS. Over the past several months, we've had conversations, shared ideas, and showed you the community's overwhelming support for bringing back the this program stronger than ever. Students, alumni, parents, and local businesses have all stepped forward, ready to recruit, fund raise, and contribute time and energy. But tonight, I want to ask you a very direct question. Where do we actually stand with the program? We cannot recruit new students to a program that has not yet been approved. We cannot ask families to commit time and energy without knowing if there will even be classes offered. We cannot create partnerships with local businesses or offer internships and workshops if we do not know if the structure will be in place. Without clarity, all of

160our ideas and passions remain only words. Our students need action. They need a timeline. They need to know if they will have an A or FFA program to sign up for this year or next year. Without that, we are left in a holding pattern, watching valuable time slip away. Time that can only be used to rebuild enrollment, strengthen our offerings, and restore pride in this program. So I ask, so I am asking this board and administration, please give us a clear update. Is the agriculture and FFA program at or is the agriculture and FFA program at sample school approved? If not, what is holding it back? And if so, what are the next steps? And how can we as a community help move it forward? We are not just here to speak. We are here

161to act. But we cannot put our words into action until we until we exactly know where we stand. Our students, teachers, and families and communities deserve clarity. They deserve the change to get to work rebuilding this program. So I ask, where do we stand? [Applause] >> Thank you. Uh Charlie Stone. Hello members of the school board. My name is Charlie Stone. I'm a senior currently attending San Marcos High School. I serve as the CT ambassador or FFA chapter vice president and I'm the San Diego section FFA president. I stand before you to not only pursue but engage in growing the foundation of FFA within this school. I believe the SAS school FFA chapter should be preserved because it provides students with hands-on learning, leadership development, and real world skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

162Through FFA, students gain valuable experience in public speaking, teamwork, agriculture science, and career readiness. I personally have been the have had the opportunity to participate in leadership activities and competitions that have made a dramatic impact on my confidence and public speaking skills. These experience have helped me grow not only as a student but as a person, giving me the tools to take on challenges with courage and professionalism. Along with this, I have found a passion for veterinary science and have been successfully set up to pursue that career in college. FFA doesn't just prepare students like me for future professions in agriculture. It prepares us for life by teaching us how to lead, communicate, and take responsibility. It opens doors to scholarships, statewide and national competitions, and networking opportunities that can shape our futures. Beyond that,

163it connects us to our community through service projects and agriculture awareness, helping us become active and engaged citizens. Keeping the SA school FFA chapter means preserving a program that changes lives. It is an investment in student success, community involvement and the future of agriculture. The lessons learned and the confidence gained through FFA leave an everlasting impact on the students and they carry that with them along after graduation. Thank you for your time and attention. Thank you, Kate Foster. And then after that, it'll be uh Ryan Ross, uh Kyle Self, and it looks like Adena Vulkar. >> Good evening, members of the board. Thank you for all being here to listen with us tonight. I'm sure not all of us wanted to be here this late on a Tuesday night, but here we are. My name

164is Kate Foster and I'm currently serving as the Southern Region Vice President. Um, that means I serve all of Southern Region of California. I want to take a moment to express how impactful SA Pasqual FA's program truly is. Not only for their chapter, but for the entire region. I know that if I didn't strongly believe in this, I would not have taken 45 minutes to drive here today. And I know that Kyle on the end here wouldn't have taken a two and a half hour drive to come and speak with you. I know that these SAS squad members wouldn't have given up their Tuesday night either. FFA is more than just the blue jackets that you see in these livestock projects. It's about leadership, teamwork, and building skills that will last a lifetime. The opportunities

165that this program provides, whether through competitions, conferences, or community service, give students a place to grow in ways that no other program can replicate. The mission statement that your student board representatives have shared with us today directly aligns with our FFA mission statement, which is to make a difference in the lives of students by developing their potential. And if this board is unwilling to stand and show their support for this FFA program, how are these students going to grow to their true potential? One class is not enough. Out of the 18,000 members that we have in the southern region alone, only 24 of them get to say that they are proudly a part of Sasqual and that directly impacts all of us. Coming from a school that holds about 600 FFA members, students deserve the

166opportunity to take agriculture classes all four years of their high school career. Not just one, not just one veterary science program. It's not enough. Tampa Squall has been a strong voice in presence in the regional level. Their chapter has taken on leadership roles, built connections, and represented not only their school, but this entire Escandido community. The advocacy and initiative that you see from these students right now standing up here and speaking out is a direct reflection of what FFA has taught them. How to lead, how to communicate, and how to fight for what they believe in. Without this program, that kind of courage and impact could not exist. Taking away this program from them would not only hurt the students at San Pasqual, it would silence an entire chapter that represents our region's pride, our

167strength, and our purpose. FFA is a foundation for leadership, growth, and opportunity. And its impact stretches far beyond their school walls. Thank you for being here tonight. Thank you so much. Next will be Ryan Ross. >> Hello members of the board. My name is Ryan Ross and I am the San Diego uh San sorry uh San Pisqua FFA chapter president and I'm here to tell you about the present of FFA. What is happening now? You see the San Die San Diego section is a family. Not just the San Diego section, but the whole state, the whole country. All right. And I had a script, but I lost it. I hate when that happens, but >> we will be patient. Take your time, son. >> Um, sorry about that. This They don't even have the words.

168You know, this is like a family. This is a connection of people that come from all walks of life. They can be rich. They can be poor. Some can't even afford animals to raise, but they still show up. They still work. They still are here. And they are here to learn, teach, and be here for their community. be here for their friends and their family of agriculture. I come here to tell you that I have met people, amazing people, friends that I can call family. I have met people I will remember for the rest of my life, not just in San Pas, but from San Marcos, uh, Powe, multiple different schools across the San Diego section. I plan to go up and go to nationals hopefully. I plan to do whatever that needs to be

169done to make us on the map. I want to show you guys that we aren't just some club, some thing that you can toss out into a trash can and forget about. This is a club, not a club, but a class. A way of life that will be toss passed down from generation to generation. If we do not teach and persuade other generations to do this, our way of life will go extinct. This is not just about love. It is about our future, our present, and preserving our past. Thank you very much. Kyle, you're next. Good evening. My name is Kyle Self and I'm currently serving as the regional president for FFA in all of Southern California. For 45 years, my predecessors have carried around this compass. Engraved on it are the words, "Leaders need

170direction." No words could be more true. My generation will lead the future, but that doesn't necessarily mean we will lead it along the right path. We need direction now in order to positively shape tomorrow. FFA provides that direction, a space where people can practice that in a risk-free environment and opens doorways to exercise what we've learned in this organization in the future. When I stepped into my first ad class, I'll be honest, I was unmotivated, shy, and didn't know anything about agriculture. That quickly changed through hands-on classroom instruction and engaging conferences that I was able to attend. I was then given the opportunity to expand on what I've learned and practice in se in three separate avenues. A projects, competitions, and officer positions. Through a projects, I practice veterinary skills while raising livestock. Applied the

171scientific method in research projects and got to intern through the University of California as a livestock researcher. In competitions, I've learned how to evaluate livestock, repair tractors, create an effective marketing plan, speak in front of large crowds of people, and debate respectfully. Finally, in chapter and region office, I've learned how to work with others, and put service above self. These are my experiences, but I am not alone. Other SFAS members may not have participated in the same contests, attended the same conferences, or had the same A projects. Hundreds of thousands of FFA members throughout our country have had similar experiences because of the FFA. Now, I've given the San um Pasqual officers a whole binder full of data showcasing the benefit of FFA, and I'm more than willing to share that with all of you

172board members, but here are a few key highlights. Research from Purdue University shows that FFA involvement is linked with higher academic success, stronger career readiness, clearer future goals, and even higher standardized test scores. Surveys show that over 85% of members say FFA made their high school experience more enjoyable and kept them committed to their schoolwork. FFA alumni overwhelmingly report that FFA shaped their careers with most now working in the agricultural industry and holding senior level positions. Members of the board, leaders need direction and you can provide that and so much more by taking action today to support the FFA programs under your care. Thank you. >> Thank you. and then Adena Vulkar and she will be the last speaker on this topic. >> Good evening. I am Adena Vulkar. I am alumni from S Pasqual

173High School and a former uh student of agriculture and FFA and I am the owner proud very proud owner of Simply Adina Floral Designs. due to going to sample high school led me into my career and I am over 25 years in special event florestry which is very important to agg it all comes together and for many years I have a whole thing here but I'm tired so I'm just going to say what I feel from the heart I have always volunteered at the schools teaching I taken students from John Paul Catholic as an internship program I can tell you I've had women who have come and worked with me that have come from homes that they've been abused and they come in and they're in a safe environment. All of which now own their

174own businesses throughout San Diego County and are thriving. Agriculture FFA is extremely important because it covers so much and I get teared up about it because it's not just about growing food or raising animals. It's the way we all live in every single day. It's it's there and if you get rid of these programs, it's going to be a really sad state for our county and it's just a shame. I come from a long my husband's family, they're all farmers. My f my uncle is the largest sod and food farmer in the state of California and he provides so much good to this state and we can't get rid of this program. Our students need us to support them and our we need to support our teachers in this area and we that's all I

175have to say. I just we really need to step up to the plate on this and not let this program go away. Thank you. >> Thank you. So that was item number fiveformational update about the agricultural program at San High School. Um, did any board members have Okay, Dr. Causes next. Okay. Thank you, Dr. Kauus. >> Thank you, President Weller. Uh, since our last board meeting in August, the educational service department has collaborated with sample squad administration to do the following. Number one, directed school site staff to add a CTE courses back on the digital course selection sheets for the 2627 school year. Number two, directed site administration and counseling to assist with the promotion of the A program, recruitment of new A students, and retention of current A students. Number three, verified and secure

176that all a program equipment is not removed from S Pasqual High School. Number four, provide options to current 12th grade SAS a students remain eligible to apply for all a FFA related scholarships. Number five, continue to include Sasqua Act program in all future grant-f funded applications, state and federal. Number six, director of college and career readiness Mia Funk is available to meet with Sasqua Act teacher to discuss, collaborate, and assist with items one through five previously mentioned. And I'll add number seven. Given the information shared tonight about site admin not wanting to meet, you have my commitment from myself, principal Gregory, and director of college and career readiness, Mia Funk, to meet with you ASAP to discuss the game plan, how move forward with the program. So we will do that as early as next

177week. Dr. Dr. Causes, thank you so much. You know, it you have such a hard job. You know, you have over 5,000 students. I I haven't even counted the different classes and programs and for you to coordinate all that and manage that and then listen to students and do that. It's very heartening and I just want to say thank you from the board. I know other board members here would like to speak now. >> Dr. Casses, as always, I really appreciate what you've done there and I think you're you're amazing person and you understand what the needs are of the community and I just my hat goes off to you. I appreciate it so much. Thank you. >> And I'll echo the thank thanks the staff, all the staff, because I know it's not just

178you. There's a lot of people involved in these conversations. And as we know, there's a lot of incredible CTE programs that we have on lots of campuses. So, we are competing, some of these programs do, unfortunately, they're competing priorities for the real estate that we have. And I know however creative we can become to um provide more opportunities that may not require as much space, whatever that may be, um I'm really impressed with the students and their commitment to this. And then um thankful for the regional um leaders that have stepped up too to to support because this the the 24 students that you mentioned can't do it alone when you come from a school with 600 strong. So um just thank you and to the community members that also want to step up and

179provide these opportunities. Thank you. Um because there are incredible a opportunities with throughout San Diego County. And um well, I know we can't necessarily dialogue, but um I just want to thank you for all your commitment. >> All right. Well, um yeah, Trusty Durnney. >> Uh yes. I want to say I absolutely love the AC our FFA students. These students are the most professional, the most polished, some of our best and brightest students. These are the students who are going places and who are these are the ones we really need to support. I hate seeing programs terminated. I don't want to see this one drop down. I mean, it's I I'm hearing it's because, you know, not as many people want to be there. I hear there are great plans to get more people involved.

180I want to get more people involved. I want to keep a at EHS and at San Pasqual if we can. Absolutely. We just need to have the people there and I am 100% we're keeping this going to get as long as we can do it. Please, let's >> Well said. >> Let's roll it. >> You know, go ahead, >> Trusty Williams. >> Yeah. So, I'd say to to you students who spoke today and who have been actively involved in this, I would say you should be very proud of what you're doing here, not only for the the program itself and for you personally, but but but for the community. This is a I think this is a great lifelong lesson that that says that you can make a difference, right? And and pulling together and

181saying, you know, we want to build this program is exactly what what we need. I think what like um like what what Carol said here today in terms of uh we don't want to pull a plug on anything, right? That's that's not the goal. That's not what anybody wants, right? So, if you can help spin this around, then then power to you and we're here to support you. That's that's what we're here for. and Marne an update on the tomato plants. We cannot eat all the tomatoes, so the wildlife is happily fed some of the time. So, thank you so much for those tomato plants. Uh well, can you you didn't fill out a card. I'm trying to be if you if Yeah. Okay, you get a minute. Thank you. All right. Thank you, >>

182Dr. Kus. Did you have any thoughts? >> No, we'll coordinate with the site and yeah, as soon as we >> Yeah. >> All right. Okay. Thank you. All right. Um, sounds like that. This is not an act. Well, it's not sounds like it is not an action item. So, we're going to move on to item number six, which is discussion about potential new avenues for career technical education in the Escanido Union High School District. Again, this is not an action item. This is an information item. Um, Dr. Casus. >> Thank you, President Weller. Uh the ED services team has had several planning brainstorming sessions to ideulate how we might reimagine any given school site to capture the feedback models and ideas shared by board member Vincent. Following ideas represent a culmination of our initial brainstorm

183sessions that are being shared as a starting point for the board's discussion this evening. Uh so the goal was to create a dynamic academy model that prepares all students for college, career and community leadership through integrated A throughG aligned academics and CTE. Every student will graduate with the option to meet A throughG requirements and or earn CTE industry certification in one of the career focus pathways. We brainstormed six different pathways. Pathway number one, which already exists at one of our sites, but it could be expand to another site, middle college or dual enrollment. Pathway number two, hospitality and food services, which should include culinary arts, event management, customer service, and food safety, uh eventually leading to serve, safe, and hospitality certifications. Pathway number three, green technology and engineering. STEMbased program focus on renewable energy, HVAC,

184robotics, mechatronics, auto mechanics, automation, and AI. Pathway number four, construction skill trades, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and building technology training. Uh, training using industry standard tools and methods. Pathway number five, advanced manufacturing, print and graphics, digital fabrication, 3D printing, graphic design, and commercial print technology. And finally, the last one, public services and health services. That includes fire protection, firefighting, EMT training, and or ROC. In summary, design a school in which every student has the option to graduate A throughG ready and with the ability to enter the workforce and or an apprenticeship program directly out of high school. Upon completing high school with one of the following a program certification, internship and or pre-apprenticeship program completed. Next steps would be the ED services team is currently visiting several local and regional schools that meet the characteristics of

185the previously discussed items. Number two, listen to board discussion, feedback, and ideas in September, October. Number three, prepare a proposal presentation for the December board meeting as requested by board member Vincent. And number four, listen to community stakeholder feedback in the months of January, February, and March. >> Thank you, Dr. Kostas. Um, board members comments. Thank you so much for bringing that up. I do have a few words to say. When I when I sat here today listening in the discussions regarding our trades people and there was some negative conjugation regarding our trades people. These are our heroes. These are the people that build our buildings. They substain and keep us going. Without them we would be living in the dark ages. Okay. So, I am very much as somebody that worked as a chemical

186energy workers union when I in my younger years for occupational health and safety. I do not appreciate thinking that we're demeaning those workers. They're our heroes. And I can tell you the trades people is what keeps us going. Agriculture, right? Okay. Plumbing, electricity. I had a young fellow come into my house the other day to work on my HVAC system. He has eight years experience. He's making $150,000 a year. So, it's not a step backwards. It's a not a fallback. They have dual opportunity to take a choice to go through college as well get a trade. Okay? And if they decide they don't want to go into the trades, that's fine. They can go in and get a college degree. But I want to give you some statistics. 61% of people that graduate from high

187school go to university. Half of those people only get their degree after six years. That's what's happening today. It's not a four-year degree program anymore. It's a sixyear. Okay. And of those of those half of those people, they only half of them graduate. And of those a only 15% of them or less go into the career that they have. They can't find a job in their career. This gives everybody equal equity in being able to find something that's going to help them out. This is going to make them in into a career that pays real money that takes care of the bills. So I feel very passionate about this. I believe in equity. I believe in the trades people. I believe they're our heroes and we need to support them as much as possible and

188we need to give our students a second chance in life and that and not bottle them into a into an assembly line educational system. There needs to be freedom and this is going to help the kids. There's a lot of poverty and nobody's directing a kid into anything. They have a choice of what they want to do. This is called a choice. they don't have to be bottlenecked into one position and that and and and so I'm very passionate about this and I know it works and I've seen some very successful people in the trades that have done very well for themselves. Some of them have gone on to university afterwards electrician to get electrical engineering degree. We heard a gentleman say that was here last week talk about how he didn't know what he

189wanted to do in life and then he eventually decided hey I'm going to be working in the uh irrigation business that he went back to university and got his degree. So, I'm not I'm only trying to help out because what's coming down the road in the next 5 to 10 years in our educational system, and everybody knows this, we're seeing I'm only trying to help. We're seeing more and more enrollment decreasing. Our enrollment's decreasing substantially, our uh absentees is decre is increasing. So, I and I know passionately there are other board members here that feel the same way and that that we need to give our all of our kids an opportunity. So, thank you so much. I maybe been longwinded, but you know, I hopefully I got the point across. So, thank you so

190much. So, uh just a um quick question, Dr. cost which is when you talk about six pathways in a sense are these these uh are you describing a we'll call it a dual enrollment program meaning you when you start high school in a sense you could say I'm going to take the college route or I'm going to take the the trade route then you have uh various programs to fill each that kind of what you're describing >> there are various models the one that we are initially brainstorming is one that every student regardless of what pathway they choose can have the choice to go to college and or earn certification >> so it in a sense everybody uh completes A through G but on top of that then you can go let's say uh one

191route which is robotics and and and data science and one route is >> is uh some of the the trade programs that >> correct yep >> which I uh I love that concept and I love the the clarity of that concept right knowing that a a high school student's going to say okay here's my path they could probably always change that path along the way in a sense right but here's the direction that I'm I'm working towards and I I fully support that making sure that that is a very very visible decision for them. And I'm in agreement that's kind of what I was envisioning too is you know something that runs alongside the current program that you know provides more than what we've currently got and additional options without really taking things away but

192still providing some new opportunities and some new end points. rather than just the traditional, hey, I got a degree. Let's get a degree and then something. >> Yeah. And I'll just add um I don't I also like the concept of preparing so that if the student chooses college, they've got all of the classes lined up that they've taken to to approach it that way andor exploring careers. Um, I know that the state of California may have some challenges as far as those under 18 acquiring certain certifications. So, I would like to look into what type of state waiverss we would need to to get or explore that would allow us to. For instance, um we heard about that incredible student at Orange Glenn who's doing middle college and the medical assistant program that we all

193heard about last month at our adult school. Well, the adult school doesn't always provide those um like you there's that competing idea of like the adult being 18, right? At our adult school or CNA pathway, you have to be 18. So, how do we eliminate those obstacles so that kids can achieve more certifications before the age of 18? >> Yeah, those are some of the things that we're currently exploring locally, regionally as well, how some different schools are doing it. Um, some of the one of the roadblocks that we face with getting certain certifications for minors, it's actually federal law, the work permit law, because it's tied to safety. Um, it also goes back to child labor laws way back when after the Great Depression when they were worried about kids not finishing high school

194because they had to help out with the family working. And so, um, so there there's there's a lot of that. >> Well, I would caution taking away any of those protections right now. I think that that would be concerning to take away, >> but I do want to see about like waiverss or things that where we are in control of that versus >> Absolutely. >> What else? All right. Well, um I don't have the study right at my fingertips, but it's interesting that my uh wife had shared with me that um actually students that have a classical education background actually do better in the trades. And it's interesting, my son, who did go to uh charter, um I remember when he walked into the kitchen and he's like, "Yeah, I'm going to sign up for

195um for Latin three." And I was like, "Wait, what? You're doing what?" He's like, "Well, yeah. Don't I have to take it because I need to finish that at school?" I'm like, "Didn't you want to go into trades?" He's like, "Yeah." So, he never had to take Latin 3 and he was very thankful. Um, and he Here's a kid who um was never going to go to college and he got hired by Berg Electric out in Ensenus. He's up at 4:30 every morning. He's out the door at 5:15 with his lunch pail and he's out there and he works till 2 and 3 every day. He's 19 years old. They kick his ass. They tell him bad stuff and yet he knows he's going to be an electrician or no. >> He hasn't decided yet.

196Mike >> number. >> Yeah. Yeah. I'll make sure. Anyway, with that said, it's like I'm totally in favor of trades and whatever we can do to help these uh students have opportunities as opposed to nine, you know, whatever percentage come out of college with 60 grand in debt and can't find a job. We're going through a major shift in the economy and the world right now between AI and a number of other things that we're all having to work through it. And it's not easy, but I'm thankful for this board and the audience and the um the the cabinet for taking the time to have the hard discussions because these are hard discussions on everything we've talked about tonight. So, I just want to applaud everybody that's here and having the discussions. So, thank you.

197So that moves us on to action item seven or sorry seven. Action upon recommended expulsion of the accused student for case number two. Um I need a motion. Does that do we have that motion printed out? Okay. Is that Trusty Durnney? I move to accept and approve the recommended expulsion of the accused student for case number two from September 9th, 2025 through at least August 1st, 2026 and to accept and approve the stipulated expulsion agreement. >> I second it. All right. So then, um I guess we need to do a roll call vote or just a Yes. Okay. So, and he's not here. So, then um member Knight, how do you vote? >> I. >> Member Vincent. >> I. >> Member Durnney. >> I. >> Member Williams. >> I. >> And member Weller, say I.

198So, the action is approved. Um, do we need to do anything else at this point? Okay. uh going to move on to human resources division section and the items with asterisks were approved on consent. So items one and two were approved on consent. So here again we have the uh interesting public hearing uh that we are having. So public hearing on initial proposal from the Escanido Union High School District to the Escanido Secondary Teachers Association for successor agreement 2025 20226. The attached proposal which is online for those of you that are watching at home or here. The attached proposal from the Escanido Union High School District, UHSD, to the Escanido Secondary Teachers Association, ESTA, was brought to the board of education on August 5th, 2025. It was available for public review beginning August 6, 2025,

199and is now ready for public hearing. So, I will open up this hearing at 9:26. And uh are there comments? It looks like Mr. Sovakool will speak. It only took me three years. >> Is Is this one timed >> uh for you? Yeah. >> I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding. >> 15 minutes. Mike, >> on behalf of our wonderful president, Anna Katy, and our wonderful bargaining chair, Joe Germini, and as a member of the bargaining team, we look forward to a an efficient and fair settlement that values educators so we can all get back to the work of educating our community. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any other public comments on this? All right. So, then I'm going to close the meeting at 9:26. And um let's see here. Do we need to I'm closing

200the hearing. Thank you. At 9:26. And anything else we're supposed to do with that hearing? Nope. Okay. Very good. All right. We are now moving on to uh section H business services division. Again item one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight were on approved on consent. So that brings us to item number nine. Approve the SACS 2025 unodudited actual results for fiscal year 202425. Since I'm losing my voice, would Miss Phillips um take this, please? >> Yes. Yes. I'd love to chime in. Tonight, you have our unodituded actuals report before you for approval. We've completed the process of closing out our 2425 books. Thanks to our finance team, um purchasing payroll. It's a team effort and it's a tough time of year to close our books while we're starting a whole brand new one.

201Um and just so everyone knows, these are unodudited actuals. Our auditors were actually here last week. So hopefully in the coming months we will bring you our audit report. Um and the full report is included in your information tonight. But um if you have any energy left, I am happy to answer any questions. >> We have money for the rest of the year. We're good to go. Okay. No one else has any comments. All right. My only question would be is uh what's the timeline again between the unodudited and then actual audited results? >> Um usually we try to bring it in December or Janu I think it's December. We usually try to bring it in. >> All righty. Uh can we get a motion to approve the SACS 2025 unudited actual results for fiscal

202year 2425? >> I will move to approve. >> Second. >> Any comments, discussion? All in favor say I. I >> and we adopt that. >> Item number 10, adopt resolution R2025-20265 approving the annual GAN appropriation limit. The GAN Well, I'm going to hand it back to you. >> One of the few history stories I think I get to tell. >> Yes, I love it. >> Each year, school districts are required by law to complete and adopt the GAN limit resolution. The GAN limit established by Proposition 4 in 1979 restricts the amount of tax revenues that can be appropriated each year. The annual calculation adjust adjusts last year's limit for changes in inflation and student attendance and then compares the adjusted limit to the district's actual expenditures. This report confirms that the district is operating within

203the state's spending cap and is in compliance with cost constitutional requirements. >> Thank you. >> That's a great story. I actually can remember my parents talking about the GAN um information back in the >> after Paul Gan. Yes. Tax advocate. >> Yes. >> Antax. Sorry. Ant >> antax. [Laughter] >> Sorry. >> You said it, not me. Mike. >> Okay. With that said, uh can I get a motion to adopt the resolution or moved? >> Second. >> And any discussion? No discussion. All in favor say I. >> I. >> That motion passes or we adopt that resolution. Thank you. All right. On to item I, district operations. Here again, adopt recommended additions and revisions in board policy. Um, I'm going to hand this off to superintendent. Would that be you or >> Oh, back to you,

204Amanda. Okay. I always get that messed up. Thank you. >> Okay. Um so this is a second reading. This is for adoption. There were no changes. This was uh BP 3400 about our assets. So you remember is our homegrown asset policy. >> Yes. Any question? Well actually let's u get a motion first please. >> I'll move to approve. >> Second. >> And any discussion? All right. All in favor say I. >> I. Motion is adopted. We move down to item I2, adopt recommended revisions in administrative regulation 1312.3, human resources. Is that going to go to Mr. Kooperi? Okay, sir. >> Uh thank you, President Waller. Uh yeah, this is a second reading for this administrative regulation. Uh it was brought to the board last time for the first reading. So looking for approval. Um this

205again was had to do updating the email address listed in the AR. >> All right. Thank you. Um, are there any discuss? Well, actually, can I get a motion, please? >> I'll move to approve. >> Second. >> Any discussion? No discussion. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Motion carries. All right. We are now down to item three. First reading of recommended revisions in board bylaws 9100, 9140, 9223, and 9324. This one says superintendent next to it. So I better pass it off to Mr. Peterson. >> Thank you. I know we have three speaker cards for this topic and so we will get to the speakers shortly. I just wanted to provide some context first. Within this one agenda item, there are five bylaws being brought forward for revision. Four of them are being

206brought forward at staff's recommendation simply because they are old outdated bylaws and there have been some changes in the law and they need to be updated. One of the bylaws bylaw 9100 on organization uh was asked to be placed on the agenda tonight by board members in order to discuss them discuss the manner in which board officers are selected. And I believe that our three speaker cards wish to address bylaw 9100. So I will those cards. Very good. And Georgin Tomasi, you are up first. And then Erin Evans and then TS Muser. So welcome back all three of you. See, I don't see Georgina. I saw her leave. >> I think she's gone. >> No, you can fill out a card, Mike. But I'll let you speak, but fill out a card. >> Okay. Thank

207you. >> Notating. >> It It's bylaw 9100. But you're not up right now, Mike. Uh Aaron Evans, please. >> Okay. Erin also left. Mike, you can be two people if you want. And then TS Muser. Looks like he may be gone as well. All right. >> so as usual, we'll wait on Mike to make >> Mr. for for for efficiency. He could speak first and then fill out the card. >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> I don't have anything prepared for this, >> but I think I listen to the meeting and what I understand and correct me if I'm wrong, President Weller, is you want to change the rotation or the method in which the board president becomes the board president. and I've been in the district 22 years and I've been at this podium

208far too much and I'm looking to retire, not necessarily from teaching but from ESTA. But we're still looking for the replacement. But I think the method we've used worked out pretty well. Uh I don't understand the need to change something that's not broken. As I stated earlier, we got a lot of issues to focus on here, and it seems kind of nonsensical to have the five people vote for who's going to be president. Why? That would be my question. Why? What's wrong with just rotating through? Nobody has any more power. You might get to talk a little more, but to be quite honest, we like hearing from different people uh over the course of the years and during their terms. It's nice to let them get up there and say what they want to say

209or run the meeting. And Bob, I've appreciated how you've run this. Uh, and Bill, when I'm sorry, Carol, when Carol was there, I didn't always agree with Carol, but it was nice to hear from Carol and I look forward to David and Ryan and Christie. Christie, you've done a good job as the president. So, I don't understand the need to change something that's not broken. And so, as a taxpayer from Trusty Area 5, Mr. Vincent, I would encourage you, if there's going to be a vote on this, to vote no on any change. It's not necessary. Things work well here. I think tonight was a good exercise in democracy with different people speaking. And I think it's good to hear from the different people that have been elected to the board to serve as board

210president. And I'd be open to hearing any other rationale to the contrary. That's semi-logical, but I can't think of any at the moment. But that's also because it's well past my bedtime and I'm waiting to hear from your board report. So I'll shut up now. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Soville. I mean, so the Cole, thank you. I'll get it one day. Um, so as it says on the agenda here, these are being presented for information and discussion only as a first reading. Board members discussion, feel free to um speak. >> Yes. Uh, I'd like to actually request, you know, just two years ago as a board reaffirmed uh procedure 9100 bylaw 9100 including yourself Bob. Uh I and I I wouldn't want to see it change. I think we've been the gold standard

211because of that. Now you're president and you want to change it to stay president. I don't agree with that and I just believe that I think we should bold this from next month so we can vote cleanly on the next on the other items. I do not want to even see this come back for a second reading if at all possible. Thank you. >> Thank you Trusty Durnney. Any other >> I asked a question. Am I allowed? >> Yeah. >> Okay. I get people's approval. We vote on that anyhow. Um my question directly relates to what are other districts doing? I always look at benchmarks and that can you explain to how other districts manages um the process? >> Yeah, as as part of reviewing this board bylaw, I went online and checked the bylaws

212of all the school districts in San Diego County. Um there are only three districts in their bylaws that do the rotation that we do. to the Santi School District and the Eskanito Elementary District. Um it would appear from the bylaws, printed bylaws, that all other school districts in the county simply elect uh their board officers at the December organizational meeting without any sort of rotation. Now, there could be unwritten norms or protocols some districts go by that I'm not aware of. But if I look at just the printed bylaws, um there are three that specifically delineate the rotation in a manner that we do. And the others don't suggest any matter manner to elect their board officers. Simply indicate in their bylaws that board officers will be selected by the board at the December organizational

213meeting. Okay. And does the CSBA say that rotation is an acceptable form? I mean, I believe they >> they they do not have a rotation in their sample board policy manual. >> Um, so it's not in the sample board policy manual. They I don't know if there are other places where they might have an opinion on that. >> So if there's a election, I don't know how that would all run, but is there a time period like Is it like that person can run like 50 times? >> Oh. >> Um, in the sample policy manual published by the CSBA, >> um, the language is printed in this proposed first reading before you tonight. Those three lines in green that you see are from the CSBA policy manual. And they did state that optionally a district

214could choose to have term limits. uh for the number of years a person would serve in a particular board officer position. >> Okay. >> Um and in my review of board bylaws across San Diego County, I only think I saw three districts that put a term limit on their board officers. >> Personally, I would I I've always respected the way that we've set up the organization and the leadership or officer rotational policy. I feel like it provides a uh an environment of of fairness and trust. I believe it also is just one more way to avoid the the politicking and and um and factions that are in a sense kind of created within all of this. Um I also love the concept of the the team building that comes from it. Right. So I I

215would uh I would argue right that uh uh Christie, you probably think differently about your role now after having been president once or twice, right, Bill, I would say that you probably think about your role differently now after being president. And I would say Bob, the same thing is for you when you get when you move down at the end in a sense, right? You would think differently about your role because of your time. And I think that we deserve every uh I think everybody on the board deserves that chance because it makes us a better group. makes us a better team. I would also argue that the the role of president is not a CEO of the board that he or she is a basically a facilitator more than anything else. There's not a

216lot of authority that the board president has. And so the fact that we treat that that role in a sense as a as a training ground and making sure that everybody else has that opportunity, I think is a respectable organization that we've always had for a very long time. So, I would propose that that we keep that structure. >> And I guess I'm the last one to comment. And since I commented last month >> about um concerns I have related to attendance, I will re re restate that. I do have concerns about attendance. And I'm sorry that I'm bringing that up, but it it is a concern that I have. Um, and while I did not want I did not request to see this come forward so Miss Bob so President Weller could be president

217again, I will be very transparent. I believe I am the qualified candidate to be board president next year and that would be my reasoning by supporting this as I do intend to request board support that I can serve as president as the longest standing current board member and perhaps the one with the least um I don't know what's the right word baggage. >> I don't have a word. No, I've got tons of baggage. Everybody does. uh perhaps the one that might be the most qualified at this time to lead the district next through this next year. So that would be my reason for supporting it and I know uh we have a person in the community that questioned my re why I would change my mind and that is why I have changed my mind.

218We had two years to see. And while I recognize we all have incredibly busy lives and incredibly um um we have huge responsibilities in our jobs. Um I have made an a strong effort to be at every board meeting I can since I was elected to this board outside of giving birth and having COVID last year as president. Um, attendance is incredibly important and I would like to see another year of solid attendance. Um, before I could support you as president. I'm sorry. I'm being very very transparent and I think that's important >> and I and I wouldn't disagree with attendance is important, right? So, I've missed uh two days and coming up on three years now. So, I uh I would argue that there's a reason why there are five of us, right? We

219are all people. We are all somewhat volunteers even though we get a very small stipend. And um and while uh missing two meetings in three years might sound like a lot to some, I believe we are all real people and we're we're all here to serve as best as we can. And that as best as we can might be an 80hour full-time job for some, right? Who might be retired and a full-time job and best as they can might be missing two meetings in three years. So like I said, I I still believe and support that the fact that uh that choosing our officers based on creating an environment of trust and development of the whole group, I think is is more important to me than anything else. And also there's a reason why there's

220a president and a vice president and a clerk. If the president if the president doesn't happen to be there or gets COVID or has a baby, right, that's what the vice president is for >> or steps down or whatever it might be, that's what the vice president is for. So I I again I still stand by the fact that we've had a great organization for a lot of years and I don't see that the need to change it. So um I'm somewhat in agreement with you in some way. Okay? because despite the fact that my job takes me around the world because I do public health initiatives and I try to intervene on public health issues that could impact our country and such. I have never missed a meeting. I was always online. I've always

221had to post um on my hotel door meeting. So I've never ever missed a meeting. I was always in some way or other able to communicate. Sometimes it was really bad, but you know, it sound like a smurf. Uh, you know, because of the sound quality coming from wherever I go to. So, I travel around the world. I'm in a lot of countries and that and my public health initiatives is very important to me as well as my commitment to the community and our students that is very important to me. So in that in saying that I I understand where you're coming from but I also have to say that my job is not unique. Okay. and that it allows me to be physically here and that I travel and I do sometimes I just

222have to do what I have to do because it's a part of my livelihood. So my dedication to the public health of this nation and the world. So, that being said, um I'm I'm I'm kind of torn between the election process because I can understand completely where you're coming from. You you don't want people um that are assigned to represent the community not showing up or not attending in that. But at the same time, I hope you understand there are some of us that have unique jobs that requires us. But I've always still made an attempt to call in and support our community and our students. Okay. So, that's all I got to say on that. And David, I'll I'll agree. I've done that myself. I've put the sign on my hotel room door. I'm

223traveling because I've got to do that. I think Ryan, you've done that. I'll also admit I've missed two meetings in the past three years. I I've also missed two meetings >> and >> understandably a little bit different. >> No, but still there are legitimate reasons I I could not be here. I wish I could have been. I did miss those meetings. I do get to all I try to get to the board member meetings, the agenda meetings. I go and do other stuff. I've seen Ryan out there, too. I've seen him out in the public at our events. He does things. So, I know we meetings. Sometimes we're freaking human. It happens. You've missed meetings. Bob's missed meetings. David, you haven't yet, but you will. >> I have not missed any meetings. >> Okay. I'm

224okay. One day you may. It happens. So, you know, these things happen. And you know, if we're actually saying, "Well, gee, we're doing we don't want to do it because this guy's missed a couple of meetings." I I don't I I can't go along with that. So, it's Anyways, that's my two cents. >> Well, actually, this is not an action item. This is not an action item, David. >> Yeah. My my request would be that we actually bring this back next month without 9100. So, we can actually vote on it and say, I'd like to vote on these three that are not included or bring it back as two separate items for next month. So to clarify you, we would bring back all of the items proposed under tonight's first reading. Bring them all back

225as a second reading next month with board bylaw 9100 separated from the other three board bylaws. That way we can consider 9100 separate from the other three second read. My preference would be not even to have it listed because I don't see the need to change it. >> I would also I would say my my last point in this was to say, you know, the concept of the rotational um officer change, right, in a sense is it means that the the we'll call it the optimal person for president is not always going to be president, right? And but from my perspective, the role that we have as president is really, like I said, it's not the CEO, it's the facilitator. Um, we all pretty much have the exact same amount of of authority. And so

226because of that, whether you're the president, vice president, clerk, or I think we call me number one and member two. Um, either way, we're all still trustees, right? And we still have the all the same amount of authority more than anything else. And that's the part that matters. is an >> Mike. Mike. >> All right. Well, >> I the question I do have is if if >> it's not it's not an action item. So, here's the deal. Either someone can make a motion to strip out 9100 or leave it in. My favor is to leave 9100 in because what we're doing, there's a lot of changes in our district. This is just a bylaw change. As we all agree, the president is not an executive. I did not bring this up so that I could

227run for another term after tonight. Why would I want to? Um, so the thing is is that um I want to just leave them all in because they're just bylaw changes and it's matching more closely to the rest of the county and we're our district we are going through some significant changes whether it's uh CTE or other different things that we're dealing with and this is just one of the additional changes to bring us up to speed. So that I I would just say leave it all in. Um, if somebody makes a motion >> even though we you cannot do a motion or second is not an action item, but here's what I I will give some advice. >> Um, I'm not hearing if if all five of you were saying don't bring it back.

228We as board president, superintendent, when we develop the agenda could simply leave it off. But since I don't hear that unanimous consent, what what we'll do is we'll bring it back for a second read. But we can separate 9100 to be a separate item so that you could still vote to approve if you want to the other four bylaws. I can even if you want separate all five bylaws into separate board items. >> Okay. But it just means five votes. It's more votes, but uh to be completely fair, we can separate them for the second read and you can do an vote it up or vote it down on all five. >> Sounds good. That sounds good. That's why you're superintendent. The only the only question I would have about that, John, would be is

229is the uh the proposed are some of the proposed changes in 9100 does that does that fall down and impact any of the other bylaws? >> No. >> All right. The other the only other the other question I would have is I believe 9100 the way it is written there are some and there's been so much we talked about today I forget what it was but there are some things that are are not included in there that I think is should be in there even if I disagree with it if it's still coming forward um I believe it's the I'd have to go find my notes again but it is missing something that's important >> is it related to the consecutive term terms perhaps >> uh either consecutive terms is is is one of those

230options, but it's also what happens if someone >> resigns or yeah, it's I think it has to do with the vacating the role >> and how that and how the new person is is is selected >> and and that was what the board revised a little less than two years ago when we brought this forward. Um and it and it was necessitated by the fact that there is a rotation. So then what do you do when there is a vacancy and that disrupts the ro the flow the order and the rotation. If you're not going to have a rotation, it's a non-issue. >> Well, but if the president resigns in a sense, >> then the board would elect a new president. >> You just have another election. Okay. >> Do we need to spell that

231out though in there again? Then >> it's not in in the CSB recommended sample policy. I didn't see any other district that had that. All right, any last comments? Okay, we'll move on to item four, first reading of recommended additions and revisions to administrative regulation 3512. That goes to Ms. Phillips. >> This one is just a CSBA recommended language for changing um our equipment uh regulation. It's pretty simple. Only a few green lines in there. Just equipment shall be used for approved district related purposes and a few other lines that reinforce that related to our own boardwide laws and administrative records. So exciting reading for you on another night. >> Thank you so much. Any comments, questions from the board? All right. So now we come to item five, board member reports comments. and we'll

232start with Trustee Williams and go down the line. >> Okay. Um, let me find some of my notes here. One of which was I wanted to uh congratulate Jorge Sanchez in of Orange Glenn. Sophomore um ran in the cross country race I think in a couple weeks ago. Ran two miles at a mile pace of 439. >> That's insane. >> And he's a sophomore. So, so shout out to to Jorge Sanchez for for being able to do that over the course of two miles. I would also congratulate um um I'm going to say Brian Brian and Escandido. He also ran the three- mile race with a 538 mile time. So, uh props to these guys. I've I've been at these races with these guys and they've been doing a fantastic job. It's some of it's

233been really hot at the same time. So, um props to to those kids for all the hard work literally that they're doing here. um you know me with me not being at that last meeting I uh I both kind of feel uh and for the August meeting I both feel to some extent sad that I wasn't there um to hear the all all the things personally I did hear them in the video but to hear all the and to kind of be here with you Carol in terms of what all that is going on but also halfway glad I wasn't here with that too because it was it was painful to watch on the video at the same time but um I I would like to say that um more or less props to our

234community here. Like it's it's no matter no matter which side of that argument that you that you all sat in on um we all gave each other respect, right? And and everybody's has their own opinions and they are very much welcome to their own. But I I I definitely appreciated and respected the amount of respect that was that was given to everybody. And so I think what that is a great reason why we as as as Escandido can and do stand together because while we do disagree, while we do all do define things differently and and and how we should talk and treat people differently, um we can and and did show a great amount of respect and and love for those like uh like Carol here today. So uh I would also like to

235in in a sense say I'm very impressed with the FFA group here today. You all did a fantastic job of of standing up and and showing yourselves and the community that you as students really know how to stand up for what you believe in and and do the work required to to get what you'd like in life. And that is an extremely valuable um trait and skill to learn at such a early age. So um congratulations to you all as well. And so again, it is now almost 10 o'clock, so I'm going to keep that short. So, um, that'll that'll be my spiel for today. >> Uh, Trustee, uh, Durnney, thank you. >> Thank you. Uh, I just want to say that I've been overwhelmed by the support I saw today and I thank the

236community. I see that Escandido does indeed support me and I appreciate that. Really, I did not want this to be about me, but you know, they've made it about me. Uh and just to answer the one question that was out there today, someone asked my views. Uh you know, I'm still a Republican. Uh I didn't become a Democrat because uh of this uh you know, my views have not really changed and you know, I just have some new additional experiences and some stuff that I can share with the board. You know, it's just a little bit different. Like that person said, you know, maybe my name changed, but that doesn't change me. So, that's all I've got today and thank you. [Applause] >> Trusty Vincent, I know you had had a request to go last.

237Did you still want to go last? No, >> I'll go. >> Okay, fine. I'm gonna go for it. So, I had the pleasure to visit, this is my second visit, the OG. Um, I'm going to use a short firm of it. Um, it's it's cool. Um, and I've met some really amazing teachers there uh who embody our mission of excellence. I got to say that uh in the CT uh CTE program just amazing professionals. I can tell you they got the neatest toys in automotive there. I mean I was so impressed with some of the the technology that they're using. Also, I visit uh and I got to just say this guy's amazing. I went to the classroom and I met uh Mr. Clark, AP English. I've seen some passion and dedication there. I got

238to tell you, this guy's amazing. Uh these educators are shaping our future and they deserve our full support. However, that being said, I have to say this, okay? But our students really also deserve safe and modern facilities. Uh OG was built in the 1960s and need urgent repairs. its library and classrooms are outdated and I'm calling for an immediate investigation for asbestous evaluation as I'm really concerned with those tiles um in the classrooms and I feel that there's stains on there's water damage there no kid or no teacher should be exposed to that environment. So, I'm requesting that we investigate right away. And I hope you guys support me in that because it concerns me that there's as best as potentially don't panic. Don't go running, but we need to investigate to make sure. Also,

239um, as I mentioned before, I need to look, we need to look at the library. We got to really do something with the library there. Um, it's a learning space and we should look at getting something to modernize that library. If we're going to do anything, give the kids a really good healthy work environment um or learning environment, be able to work, have a good library. I went in there and it is so antiquated. I mean, at first I didn't even know it was a library, you know. You know, so the I would propose that we definitely absolutely immediately go in and investigate potential not just in the classrooms but elsewhere. It's 1960s. We know what happened 1960s. Everything was asbestous fireproofing. We didn't know it. So I'm not saying I don't want people to

240be panicking, but we do need to investigate that. Okay. Sorry. >> Okay. Did you guys all hear that? >> Nobody. >> Okay. Do you want me to repeat everything? No. >> Okay. Okay. Thank you everyone. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. Um so I just want to really thank everybody for coming out tonight. Um, last month was a very difficult public comment period to sit through, I would say. Um, Mike, you um Oh, very you you were the one that really understood the challenge with stopping any form of public comment when you're in a public meeting. I have sat through years working for other elected officials that have been attacked. Horrible things have been said about them and their children. And it's horrible to sit by and not be able to say anything or defend them.

241Um, this person I have served with for almost 13 years is my friend. You look a little different, but you're I see the same person. So, that's where I'm coming from. Um, and I just want the public to understand that not silence does not mean agreement and it is not fair for society to say that because you do not speak up in a public setting that you are agreeing with anything that's being said. That is not the case. I understand how privileged that podium is to express your your comments to your elected officials and sometimes it's incredibly painful to hear those comments and it's not right what said but it that is a protected podium and microphone and I can't stop anybody from saying things so again this is my friend I continue to serve

242with Carol. Um this is not easy for anyone. Um but uh please do not give meaning to anyone's um anyone's actions or non-actions if that makes any sense. So um just need to say that. And um what else was I gonna comment about? Um it's a great exciting um school year. I have a freshman this year. So again, I'm a consumer and I will have a lot of comments, but I'm really um just really thrilled about some of the incredible students we saw here tonight and the um potential and the human capital that we have in this district. And we are continuing to invest in that human capital in all forms. And um so I just um thank you all for um sharing your views and respecting our roles as public servants. So thank you.

243That's all. >> Thank you Trusty Knight. So I will finish with saying that it's very um I ran on a campaign of mental health was one of my top issues for students that was coming out of COVID. And it's interesting when people don't really know about you that much. There's a lot of assumptions made. And it's interesting that my wife and I work in the gender dysphoria area helping students in that area. We've had a number of students that struggle with gender dysphoria to our house. We love them. Um we do not preach to them and they come over and you know they're with friends with my uh kids and so um we we're around that community. So lest you think that I don't have any experience in this area, I do. Um so we

244I and the board and the community, we have the same goals in mind and that is what's best for the students. And a lot was made out tonight about love. One board or one speaker mentioned something about truth and love. And so I look forward to having discussions going forward about truth, love, data, and facts. There's a lot of medical uh journals coming out with information now on the trans community. Trusty Durnney has every right to present as however he wants, and I'm not opposed to that. So with that said, I just want to let you know that I am very sensitive to the struggles of our students in this area and I look forward to having more dialogue because as we speak about it, more truth will come out and I look forward to

245what's best for our students. So thank you for giving me the time as well to speak tonight. With that said, I will pass it on to Superintendent Peterson. >> Thank you. Good evening. It's uh a pleasure to be able to give my report tonight at the end of the meeting. >> Yeah. Um it's wonderful to have our students back on campus and I've truly enjoyed attending the back- toschool night events at Eskanito High School and Orange Glenn High School. And I'm also looking forward to the upcoming back- to-school events at Valley High on September 17th, Delago Academy on October 1st, Sasqua High School on October 6th, and Escanido Adult School on October 8th. Thank you to all of our staff who work so hard to create safe, welcoming, and engaging environments for our students and

246families. Next month, our district will once again host the college and career fair taking place on October 14th from 5 to 7:00 p.m. at Escandido High School. This free event is open to all students across the city and will feature information on apprenticeships, CTE programs, financial aid, military branches, and CSU UC admissions requirements. While I will miss attending this year due to our October board meeting, I've had the privilege of participating the past two years, including once with my oldest son, and I can personally attest to how valuable the event is. I want to thank our director of college and career readiness, Mia Funk, and her team for their leadership and dedication in making this opportunity available to our community. I'd also like to extend a warm welcome to Nathan and Hannah who due to

247the late hour they needed to get home because school starts very early in the morning. They had homework to do. Um but I will let them uh give them more welcome later when I meet with them. Um we were happy to see them sworn in this evening. I'm grateful for student board members and their commitment and look forward to the insight and perspective that they will bring to our board. Before closing, I'd like to end on a note of celebration by sharing some district accomplishments. Delago Academy has been recognized by the US News and World Report as one of the top 20 public high schools in San Diego County, ranking number 12. Actually, overall, this recognition reflects Delago's academic excellence, high graduation rates, and strong college readiness. Also, Orange Glenn High School earned second place

248among schools with more than 300 graduating seniors in the countywide race to submit campaign, achieving a 27.6% increase in the number of students who complete the FAFSA. And related to that, as a district, the Eskanito High School District also placed second countywide in the large district category. I want to thank our dedicated staff for encouraging and guiding our seniors as they take these critical steps towards expanding their postsecary opportunities. Finally, I'd like to recognize that this week is National Suicide Prevention Week. Across our schools, students and staff are engaging in activities that emphasize the importance of connection, support, and awareness of the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline. It's a meaningful reminder to us that no one is alone. As I close, I want to thank our governing board for your ongoing leadership and dedication to

249our district. And also, thank you to Dr. Casus, Mr. Kalani, and Mrs. Phillips for the tireless work you do in supporting all of our schools. Thank you very much. All right. So, I wish I was Oprah Winfrey and I could say everybody remaining wins a car, but sadly I can't. So, alls I can say is there are no additional public comments. So, we get to adjourn the meeting tonight at >> Oh, >> bang. I had this in my hands. Get to the microphone. get to the microphone. >> I'll take your time. >> Do we have close session? Yeah, we do. >> Good evening board. My name is Terry Ryan and I wanted to just make a quick comment. Uh we were at last the last last meeting. Uh all of the students were there and

250I was there and I just want to tell you how much I appreciate the dignity, the courtesy and the patience you show to every speaker. I am very proud of you. I'm proud of everything that you represent. You're such a good example to the students, to the adults, and to the community. So, thank you. >> I've been Thank you for speaking. Uh, I've been corrected. Since we are being excused to close session, we will go into close session. For those of you that want breakfast, we'll be back at 3:00 a.m. And uh, no, we will not, we don't know when we'll be back. We still have business to do in close session, but we will be back to adjourn when we're done. Thank you. >> No, no actions are anticipated to be taken, but we

251will come back out to adjourn when we are finished. Well, here it is. That's okay. Thank you. Thank you for staying for the whole thing. Proud of you. Oh yeah. Heat.