FJUHSD Board Meeting 12/9/2025

001calling the board meeting to order. Hello everybody. How is everybody doing? Nice to see each and every one of you. So, uh, we're going to go right here. I'm gonna have you stand for the flag salute. Please stand. Ready? Begin. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation indivisibley and justice for all. >> Thank you. Disclosure of reportable action taken and closed. Board members discuss student expulsion deliberation of findings and recommendation for confidential pupil um expulsion report um 2526 number 11 and number 14. Is there a motion to approve the student expulsion deliberation of finding of recommendation confidential pupil expulsion report 25-26 on number 11? Second. Okay. All all those all those all those in favor say I. >> I. >> All

002those in favor say no. Okay. Is there a motion to approve the student expulsion deliberation of finding and recommendation of confidential pupil expulsion report 2526 on number 14. >> Second. Okay. Any discussion? All those in favor say I. [music] I. >> All those opposed? Zero. >> Is there a motion to approve the minutes of the November 4th board minute? Minute. Sorry. >> Joanne, any discussion? Ari, would you like to cast a preferential vote? >> I approve. Does the board members have any correspondence they would like to share? >> Oh the board approval. Okay. So I'm sorry about that for the minutes. Um all those in favor say I. I. >> All those say no. Post. No. Okay. 5. Sorry about that. Okay. Any correspondence? Anybody? >> No. Okay. Um, let's see. The organization of the

003board of trustees. The December 9th, 2025 meeting of the board of trustee has been established as an annual organizational meeting in accordance with the education code requirements. As the annual organizational meeting, it is necessary that the board determine the organization of the board for 2526. Okay. Uh pres I will conduct the election for presidency. Is there a motion for a nomination for the board member for president? Uh the board of trustees for education. >> I nominate Maryland. >> Okay. Second. >> Any discussion? Ari, would you like to cast a preferential vote? >> Yes, I approve. >> All right. All those in favor say I. >> I. I. All those opposed. >> Okay. Before I continue, the superintendent would like to share a few words. >> Well, first of all, congratulations, Mrs. Bushie, on at least

004more than one time being president. Um, people are asking me how many, and I say more than once. Uh, very well experienced. So, congratulations on being president. Um, we'd like to pause our meeting right now to acknowledge Dr. Cahoun, our outgoing board president, uh who u successfully ran her term for the 25 2025 uh year. Um a lot happens when you're board president, right? And and being board president means we spend a lot of time together. I talk about that a lot. So, I do appreciate all the work that we've done and your leadership and guidance this year. Um there's a lot to celebrate and a lot that that I know you're going to share some some thoughts, but we do want to recognize you with a few uh a few gifts um on behalf

005of the district and some surprises. So congratulations, Dr. Calhoun. >> Thank you. >> Oh my goodness. >> We're going to start with some flowers, right? And say um just some some lovely things to look at. >> I love flowers. Thank you. >> We know that um we have a bag uh that has some >> Oh, I love bags. >> I know you love bags, right? >> Football games. big bags. And then there's a little something in there for you, too, if you want to take a look at that. >> Okay. Oh, it has my name on it. [gasps] Oh, you guys want to see? Oh my god, I love it. >> Isn't that cool? This is Dr. Calhan. >> Yeah. >> A Thank you guys. >> So, just a little token of our appreciation of

006all the hard work that and that you've done this year. Thank you for your leadership. But there's actually an extra surprise. Uh we got a little video for you. >> Oh my goodness. >> So, I hope you don't mind. It's It's a couple minutes long, but it's going to take us a little bit through your year um with some some recognition. So, if we can cue the video, Weston, [music] >> hope you like the music. >> I love this music. >> I heard you [singing] brought up the You know, [singing] you can never go back. I got to take it on the other [singing and music] side. [music] Take it on the other [music] side. Take it on. [music] I love how long will I slide [music] separate my side. I don't [music] [music] Thank

007you Dr. Calhoun for leading with professionalism, care, and a deep belief in the arts. >> Your commitment to student success has made a lasting impact. >> Your leadership as school board president has helped move our [music] district forward. Thank you for your dedication, Dr. Calhoun. >> In the two years that I've been in this program, [music] I've seen you in various events and activities, and your energy and the way that you inspire other people has personally inspired me and really given me a blueprint on how I want to lead my life. So again, we love you so [music] much. And thank you, Dr. Calhoun, for being you. Rock on. Sorry. >> So, Dr. Calhoun had a very, very busy year. Um, she got out and about at every school site uh multiple times, but one

008of her passion projects we know is the RO video production uh team up at Sunny Hills High School who um I know work our our uh board meetings. Uh and so they wanted to put something a little something extra for you together. So, um I'd like to invite the board members if you'd like to share any comments for before Dr. Haloon takes over the mic and give her a chance to catch her breath. >> Yes. Now, >> Dr. K, I wanted to thank you and congratulate you on the job well done this past year. Now, we um know during the transition stage, we worked and talked to each other pretty much every single day. And I appreciate your dedication to the district, to our students, and to our employees. And um and of course your

009friendship. I'm going to miss the the send branches that we have to talk about what and how can we do to improve the district to better the lives of our students. So, thank you. >> Thank you, Chester. >> Congratulations on your year as board president. It is a big undertaking and you did it well and you did it with enthusiasm and I really appreciate it. I do have a question. Are you singing on that song? >> No. [laughter] Not that song. Uh, I used to sing for the Chili Peppers if you didn't know. That's why they put the Chili Peppers on there. That's what got me cuz [laughter] that's what really got me. I hearing Anthony and it's like my journey in life. But go ahead. Sorry. >> I love how she goes just Anthony,

010>> right? You know, my friend Anthony, >> right? >> Um, I just want to congratulate you Vicki. People don't realize the pressure of running a meeting like this. And um and not everybody who comes is happy. Um [laughter] and that's it. It it can be scary and it can be intimidating and um you did a great job. So congratulations. >> Thank you. [snorts] >> You're gonna miss this job. [laughter] >> I would be down there with her. >> The the good thing about when you get rid of the job, you get to sit next to student board members. Yes, Ariana. I'll be right there with Candy. [laughter] >> And actually, I have a few words that I get to say after the conclusion of the election. So, I'll save my remarks until then. Okay. [snorts]

011>> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. I think Dr. Calhoun wanted to say a few words. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. It's going to be about three minutes like that for you. [gasps and laughter] >> Okay. Um, I might be the outlier being the first African-American elected official in Folive. However, we have a common denominator. We love Bullerton Joint Union High School District. All of us. We love helping our students. When I took that gel, I prayed that I would do a good job for all of our constituents in all the districts and it has been accomplished with all the team. Um, we did gold a golden handshake this year. We gave a two and a half percent raises and a one and a half on our health and welfare due to our awesome FSTTO and

012our uh CSCA Joanie and Angie. Um we we got the bond passed uh for our facilities because you guys are going to see some upgrades that are going to be phenomenal because there's a phenomenal facilities team. Um, I got to help negotiate where the money went and it was really fast and quick and it was really exciting to see. Um, I got to go to all the schools and also the facilities department as well as transportation because they carry our precious cargo, right? Got to check those drivers out. Um, we during the uh government shutdown, we provided extra food for our students because nobody in this country should go without food and we all came together and said let's do it. [snorts] Um, we spent our money on Prop 28. Yay. For all of our

013wonderful, what is that? For our arts. Yes. All the recognition awards went to every single school that we gave out for people who've been here in the district 10 to 40 years. We gave out little pins because we're so appreciative to them because we couldn't do it without them. Fullerton High School where I went, um, your culinary department and the beast program was phenomenal. Sonora, your medical program over there, your disabled students and said, "Hey, hey." They didn't know us, but they loved us, right, Steve? They were like, "Hey." And Steve uh Troy that Jotc programs off the chain. I would go to this uh I went to a meeting at the Rose what's uh I can't think, but anyway, they were all there and they were helping everybody. They're just good good students. La

014Harbor, I went on that campus. Oh my god, blue. It just stuck out. It was it was not gray. It was beautiful. I just love La Harbor. The pool, everything was so nice. And you had the automotive there. And you know, Sunny Hills, come on. You know that film department I just adore over there under the direction of Mr. Flores Buena Park. Oh my dear. Agriculture. And we just won the bell for dual bell. I guess it's called a bell prize for for dual enrollment. So people are going to take college classes. So, if you have a dual enrollment and you need to go, talk to your counselor because we'll get you over to the community college. And let's see, um, Levis Lasier, I would go over there and their, um, older, I don't know

015if they're disabled students, they would make us cappuccinos when we ATP would make us cappuccinos. They had a little bar and everything. I was like, yes, start our day off, right? We were just eating and drinking. It was awesome. And then, um, of of course, Mr. Flores does a wonderful job over there in that film department as well as that online program. I mean, if you guys need to get online, if you can, they do a phenomenal job over there. And I just want to say one last thing. I'll be here sitting over there with Ariana for the next three years. And um it's going to be a next it's going to be great next three years. And it's time to turn the go gabble over to Miss Buchcci. Thank you guys. [snorts] All right,

016Mrs. Bushy, the floor is yours. >> All right, >> ready to go. We're gonna We have We We need now to elect a board clerk. >> If you're ready. >> How I follow that. My goodness. Good stuff. >> All right. The the next the next item is the election of clerk. Is there a motion to uh someone to nominate as clerk? >> I nominate Lauren. >> Second. >> Is there a second? Second. >> It's been moved and seconded that we nominate Lauren as the clerk of the board. All in favor, please say, Well, first of all, Ariana, would you like to cast? >> Yeah, I approve. >> Okay. All in favor, please say I. I. >> Has five to zero. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Okay. Next is uh the superintendent uh is

017the official secretary of the board. I think the lady next to him is the one that does all that work. Uh, but [clears throat] I would look for uh a motion to appoint the secretary. >> Move to appoint. >> Moved by Lauren, seconded by Chester. Uh, any comment? Uh, Ari, would you like to cast your vote? >> I approve. >> And all in favor, please say I. >> I. >> Opposed? Pass five to zero. Congratulations. All right. Uh, next, I guess I will read this in case there's anybody that wonders what this is. We are going to elect a member to serve on the nominating committee for the Orange County Committee on School District Organization for one year. This [clears throat] nominating committee for the Orange County Committee of School District Organization is made up

018of representatives from the 32 school and community college boards in Orange County. The members of the nominating committee are appointed by their respective boards at their district's annual organization meeting. The candidates for the Orange County Committee of School District Organization are presented to the nominating committee through a nominating process which takes pa place from July through October. If that makes any sense, I can explain it later. [laughter] So, with that, I would look for a nomination uh for someone to be uh the person on the nominating committee. Now, I think Vicki, you did that last year and uh Ed did a great job at that. >> Would you like to do that? >> Okay. Uh okay, there's a motion to approve Vicki to do that. Is there a second? Okay. Moved by Lauren, seconded by

019Chester. Uh any comment? Re would you like to vote? >> I approve. >> Okay. All in favor, please say I. >> I oppose. Pass five to zero. >> All right. Okay. Then we need to select someone to be the alternate to Vicki as that job. So, we need a nomination for someone to be the alternate. >> Okay. >> And I second it. It's been moved that that Lauren be the alternate. Seconded by Vicki. >> Uh, any comments? >> Yes, I do. >> It's a big job. [laughter] >> Ari, would you like to approve? >> I approve. >> I should have said vote, not approve. Uh, all in favor, please say I. >> I oppose. Pass five to zero. Thank you very much. Okay. Now, uh we need to select a board member to be uh

020the member on the North Orange County RO from December 25 through December 27. And that is the job that Chester has been uh taking and because of his other responsibilities is needing to relinquish that wonderful job and I think pass it on to somebody here. So we need a nomination for the person to succeed Chester. >> So I nominate. >> Is there a second? Okay. It's been >> I love those arts. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> So >> I accept. I love it. >> Uh is so it's been moved by Chester, seconded by Joanne. Uh any comment? Ari, would you like to vote, please? >> I approve. >> Okay. All in favor, please say I. I. Oppos. Pass five to zero. Congratulations. Okay. Now, we need um another person to serve on the

021North Orange County RO board from 2025 through 2029. >> I move I would like to nominate Miss Buchi. >> I'll second. >> Thank you. >> Can't get away from [laughter] >> We're like jumping in. >> We know. You know. All right. It's been moved by Vicki and seconded by Joanne. Uh, is there any comment? Uh, Ari, would you like >> You can make a comment. >> The last five years [music] I've been sitting. >> Thank you. >> They will miss you. We will miss you. Don't mess me, but Vicki has specific for me. >> Yeah, Vicki's been a good >> It's been a good transition. >> Yeah, actually that was not a bad way to do it with a transition being that smooth. Yeah. So, all right. Ari, would you like to cast your vote?

022[music] >> I approve. >> Okay. All in favor, please say I. >> I. Opposed. Pass five to zero. All right. Then one more thing. uh it's been a practice that it in case one of the members of that board are absent then we need a substitute. So it's been our practice to appoint all the remaining board members to be available to be a substitute. So when Chester couldn't come Vicki came anybody else could have come. So we'll do the same thing. We will um we need an alternate for Vickiy's position. So is there a motion for Vickiy's? Well actually we we elect all of us to be the alternate for Vicki. So is there is everyone except Vicki or >> everyone except it'd be like the three would be everyone except you. >> Yeah. >>

023Okay. >> And make that motion everyone except >> Okay. That's a good one. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. It's been moved by Joanne and seconded by Lauren that uh Chester, Joanne, and Vicki and and Lauren be the alternates for Vicki on the board of trust North County Board of Trustees. Okay. Uh Ari, would you like to vote? I approve. >> Okay. Thank you. Uh all in favor please say I. I oppose. Okay. Pass five to zero. The second thing is we need an alternate for my position the same as before. So is there a motion? >> I'm I move. >> Okay. So [laughter] you did it the easy way. >> Okay. So Vicki has moved that Chester, Joanne, and Lauren be the alternates for my position on the county RP. Uh Lauren,

024would you Ari, would you like to vote? I approve. Okay. All in favor? >> Second. Second. I just >> Oh, I'll second. >> Okay. We did get a second. Sorry. >> Uh all in favor, please say I. >> I oppose. Okay. Motion pass five to zero. >> All right. So, this is when I did want to I said I was going to say a few things, but um I don't think I'll be as eloquent as the superintendent or Vicki. First of all, I would like to on behalf of board and personally thank you Vicki for uh your leadership on the board this year and for all the extra responsibilities you take as a president. Um the board responsibilities uh are different from but supportive of the work done by our outstanding district employees, teachers, classified

025and administrators who daily accomplish amazing things for the district for the education of our students. We respect their efforts best if we board members are doing our jobs providing the framework one that represents the wishes of the community for the education of their children. her district has had many successes this year. Uh the superintendent mentioned some and Vicki talked about all the exciting things that you've been a part of. Uh we've always had our challenges. We always have such uh and through all this the board has focused on providing the best education for our students. What a group. Um those of you who has ever watched our meetings or gone to our meetings uh have seen that we alternate the presidency on this board. Some boards have fights about who's going to do the job.

026I think it's it's nice that we've always operated this way and I would like to thank my colleagues for giving me my turn. >> One of several. [laughter] uh this next year. I know that this board will continue to work for the wonderful for this wonderful district in doing it this way, setting the direction collaboratively, providing the structure through our policies, ensuring accountability, and providing community leadership on behalf of our district for the students in our district. I certainly look forward to working together as an effective governance team with our superintendent and as we always do keeping the focus on our students. So anyway, thank you for that. Next, I have the pleasure of um asking Miss Ari if she would like to give her student board member report. >> Yes. Okay. Good evening, Superintendent

027Dr. Mclofflin, President Buchcci, members of the board, and distinguished guests. I'm thrilled to share my December student board report with you tonight. Bueno Park kicked off the season with a successful karaoke concert to support their vocal ensembles upcoming trip. The campus has been steadily building enthusiasm for winter events, including a music themed spirit day and early promotions for the Stag Dance. Preparations for the annual holiday light show have un united staff and students in creating a festive atmosphere. Fullerton's ASB led a diverse lineup of events from their yearly pumpkin bowl to a creative Thanksgiving duck hunt. They highlighted student and staff achievements including a signing day for athletes and celebrated staff member of the month. Community giving remained a priority through a multi-week clothing drive and strong involvement in the kindness matters walk. La Habra

028has celebrated a historic CIF football championship while also strengthening school spirit through creative fall events. Students participated in kindness themed activities such as gratitude tree, a kindness wall, and a friendsgiving. The campus also hosted fun community moments like turkey bowling and free hot cocoa for all students. L Vista Lassier centered their efforts on cultural recognition, service learning, and mental health support. Their multi-week food drive gained strong participation while students engage in reflective activities such as diados muertos and Veterans Day observations. December wrapped up with relaxing events like cookie decorating, rock painting, and collaborative ATP hot chocolate giveaway. Sonora has been spreading winter cheer through free hot cocoa giveaways and large food drive and supported that supported over 50 local families in that neighborhood. The school also hosted future raider night where incoming students explored the

029campus the school campus ending with a construction themed basketball game and celebrated a raider victory. To welcome the season, ASB and IB diploma students teamed up at 700 a.m. on December 1st to decorate the campus and create a festive atmosphere for everyone. Sunny Hills launched a high energy homecoming dance homecoming with a dark night theme and even revealed a new mascot costume. The school partnered with the PTSA and clubs to assemble over 90 Thanksgiving food baskets for families in need. Students also enjoyed interactive activities like a water- themed mini break assembly and participation in the KM Legacy Thanksgiving walk. Troy has been fostering focusing on class specific activities ranging from treat giveaways to major senior traditions. ASB wrapped up Warrior Warrior Idol prepared finals, survival kits, and gathered student input through teacher spotlight surveys. The

030campus is closing the semester with a Polar Express themed holiday rally. Next up on my agenda is tomorrow at La Haber High School where our student advisory council will be meeting. Dr. Mclofflin will be joining us for some fun and holiday cheer with a cozy pajama theme. Thank you. And this concludes my board report for the month of December. Thank you, Ari. Any board members have any comment? >> No. >> Okay. >> Are you wearing pajamas? >> I was going to for the record say no. Uh I will be participating in the day. Uh but professionally dressed. >> Can I say one thing? La Harbor, that CIF game, I didn't get to see it, but I kept watching it and was hoping we got three points down. But I just want to say you guys

031did a terrific job this year. a coach, all you guys. Oh, you'll get Oh my god. This is a football team. >> Yes. >> Oh my god. I was watching you guys all the time. But you know what? There's always next year we're going to get a Forget Bakersfield. Just kidding. So, take that down. Let's go, Big Blue. [laughter] >> Okay, Dr. Mclofflin. >> Thank you, Mrs. Mrs. Bushie. Members of the board, uh excited for our principal site reports. Um and yeah, I was going to say no pajamas for me. Um, so we'll start with uh Mr. Kazarus Sonor High School, please. >> Thank you, Dr. Mclofflin, President Buchcci, and members of the board. As we head into the finals week, our campus is buzzing with focus and determination. This moment marks the culmination of

032what has truly been a fantastic start to the school year, and I want to thank our students and staff for their hard work, resilience, and positive energy they continue to bring each day. I'd also like to highlight one of Snora's most meaningful traditions that Ari mentioned, and that is our annual food drive. Each year, this event unites our entire Raider community in service to those around us. It's a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished when students and staff come together for a shared purpose. I want to acknowledge the tremendous work of our student body and the dedicated staff who make this event possible. A special shout out to Shannon Appenrot for the significant behind-the-scenes work she contributes to keeping this tradition going strong. This season has also brought exciting news for our seniors as

033they complete their college applications. We already have some remarkable accomplishments to celebrate. Two of our Raiders have been named QuestBridge National Match Scholars earning fullright scholarships to prestigious universities. Congratulations to Allison Kim who was matched with Harvard University and Ronan Cherry matched with Notre Dame. These achievements reflect exceptional dedication and represent life-changing opportunities. Winter sports are off to to a tremendous start as well. Our boys basketball team recently se celebrated a couple of major milestones. Coach Mike Murphy earned his 700th win as the Sonora head coach, approaching 800 total career victories, which is second all time in Orange County. Additionally, Jaden Barnes and Tyler Homequist both surpassed the 1,00 point milestone in their careers. The team currently stands at 7-1, while our girls basketball team has also impressed, opening their season with six uh at

0346 and0 and capturing the Wilson tournament championship. Beyond the courts, both girls and boys soccer have begun their seasons undefeated, showing great promise as cont competition gets underway. Girls water polo has also been active in the water as well under coach Jay Osborne. and wrestling is just getting started as well. As always, we're incredibly proud of our students, their character, their achievements, and the way they represent Sonora in all they do. I want to close by wishing everyone a fantastic holiday season and a restful, well-deserved winter break. Thank you for your continued support of Sonora High School. And this completes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Kazarus. From Sunny Hills High School, Mr. Winrich. Thank you, Dr. Mclofflin. Good evening, President Buchcci and members of the board. As the first semester comes to an end,

035Sunny Hills has been very grateful for the many amazing things that have been going on all year long to keep our Lancers involved and engaged at school. Each of these things has helped uh all the members of our Lancer family finish this semester strong. Athletically, Sunny Hills has moved into full swing with our winter sports teams and looks forward to the more successful seasons in the coming months. For our fall athletic signing day, we celebrated several of our student athletes who are continuing their academic and athletic careers after high school. These included Jonathan Gian for golf, Cole Kim for golf, Jake Sueki for volleyball, Elena Marquez in softball, Sophia Tkaki in soccer, and Kai Ka Tindaseri in soccer as well. Including these six, that makes 71 Lancer student athletes over the last four and a

036half years continuing their careers in college. November and December are also very busy times for our studentled conservatory of the fine arts academy which held another outstanding fall art show along with multiple improv shows by our unscheduled sixth period team. This past week saw the Lancer Theater Company host host its annual 12 acts of Christmas performances followed by Dancing with the Staff later this week. Finally, the Lancer Regiment wrapped up their fall competition season with a strong showing in the CSBC Division 5A Marching Band Championships. And we're so proud of all the hard work that Whitney Stanton and her students and their families have put into this year's field show. Finally, uh, as mentioned, our ASB and PTSA have teamed up to help uh, our Lancers in have multiple ways to give back to their

037community through the Pathways of Hope. For Thanksgiving, Sunny Hills donated over 1500 pounds of food, including 93 individual baskets of food for families in need. this holiday and these efforts have continued over that next week and and into the following week here as our Lancers continue to work together to collect toys to donate to Pathways of Hope for Christmas. We love seeing all the ways that our Lancer students are in can be involved in giving back to their community. This concludes the Lancer report for December and we wish everyone a happy holidays. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Winerich from Troy High School. Dr. Minster, >> thank you Dr. Mclofflin, President Bushie, and members of the board. We're wrapping up the fall semester. Our students earn their final week of instruction preparing for final exams

038next week before two well-earned weeks of winter break. Meanwhile, we still have a very full slate of winter sports for the boys and girls soccer teams, girls boys basketball, wrestling, girls water polo all in full swing and with our girls basketball having wrapped up the basketball tournament on Saturday. Also, NGRTC being their typical busy cells are also coming off a major weekend with a drill meet at Pacifica High School, Orientering in Sand Deas, VEX Robotics in Chila Vista, Brain Ball, Point Loma. On top of that, our NGRTC also performed a color guard for Yorinda's honoring hometown heroes event. And by the way, Troy became the VEX robotics tournament champions. In the performing arts, our instructional music program held their holiday performance last Friday night at Troy High School. It was literally standing room only, and

039they were wonderful. On Saturday and Saturday and Sunday night, our choir performed in the Candlelight Professional at Disneyland and is truly one of the most spectacular and memorable performances by professional church and high school choirs. Our choir will again be performing their holiday music this Friday night. There may still be some tickets for the 5:30 uh performance, but the 700 pm performance is sold out. More holiday fun. We have our classroom door contest ready to be photographed and judged tomorrow followed by the world famous or infamous depending how you look at it elf dance on Friday school spirit doesn't get any better than this at Troy High School and Friday will be one of the high points of the school year. Then lastly, as Troy prepares for the 26 27th school year, we welcome all

040eighth grade applicants to explore the academic offerings of our Troy Tech Magnet program. And the testing for that program is also January 10th, 17th and 24th. and our open house is on the 15th. It is a great day to be a warrior. Thank you. And this concludes my report. >> Thank you, Dr. Minster from Le Vista Liier Schools, Mr. Ka Le Pony. >> Thank you, Dr. Mclofflin. President uh Buchcci and members of the board of trustees. For the past 10 years, L Vista Lasser High School has created steam experiences that help students connect to learning in meaningful ways. has inspired them to imagine future possibilities. Each semester, we bring this work together through a week-long steam week where students from L Vista opportunity and our adult transition program present their knowledge, their learning, and engage

041in hands-on steam challenges. This semester, students participated in a water filtration lab using materials such as charcoal and sand to design systems that produce the clearest water samples. They were also challenged to build the tallest tower using gumdrops, wooden sticks, engineering skills put to the test with an elf on the top for good measure. The midweek midweek our adult transition students led the way during ATP steam challenge day presenting mixed media artwork expressing their appreciation for nature and sharing presentations on renewable energy. And later in the week, L Vistan opportunity students presented their own renewable energy projects and art pieces highlighting creativity, collaboration, and communication. We'd like to thank Dr. Palencia and Dr. Ravan for their leadership and coordination in ensuring Steam Week was engaging, inclusive, and inspiring for students across uh all programs. These

042experiences are made possible through strong community partnerships built by our steam committee including the Fullerton Public Library, Fullerton College, Cal State Fullerton, the Mukinthaler Cultural Center, and Roland Electronics. These partnerships help connect our students to real world learning beyond the classroom. We're also proud to congratulate Dr. Rebanero who was selected as one of 12 Orange County Department of Education STEM educators for the 2025 2026 school year recognizing for making STEM a consistent [music] and meaningful part of our academy program. Finally, we congratulate Mr. Joey Flores, our video production teacher, who was one of only 10 educators worldwide, invited to the TED Next Conference in Atlanta, where he collaborated with TED to help elevate student voice and celebrate student stories. Uh, as we enter the holiday season, we're grateful for the educational partners that we have

043who help our students connect to learning and feel inspired about what their future could hold. Thank you and I wish all of you a happy holiday season. >> Thank you. You're Mr. Ka Le Pony from La Habar High School. Mr. Garcia, >> thank you Dr. Mlofflin, President Bushi, and members of the board. Um, currently December is the busy season for the High Arts Academy, and they're literally everywhere. Uh, I do want to acknowledge our marching band led by uh Mr. Whiteitman who's uh marching band finished fourth in all of Southern California. Uh, because of that, they advance to the state championships two weeks later uh and finished 11th. This is the third time in four years that they've competed at that level and have finished 11th or better. Uh and it's a credit to all

044of our kids who started this process in June and celebrated uh on Saturday. Just an incredible performance from Mr. Whiteitman and our kids. Uh in addition to that, uh last week for the first time ever, Mr. Montoy, our choir teacher, along with Sonora, uh serenated our entire community uh with our snowflake serenate serenates serenade. Uh and again it was just kind of bringing two two communities together uh in the PAC during the Christmas cheer. Our dance program with uh Miss Marenian uh put together let's work uh along with some of our feeder schools did an incredible job. It was our first time holding a dance concert and filled it on the Saturday night. Uh and then we continue the celebration because this week uh we're going to have a visual arts exhibit and our winter

045band concert is happening this week as well. So really excited about an incredible uh month for our high arts academy. Uh in athletics again just have been a historic couple of weeks for us. Uh our cheer and song continue to shine. They finished first and second in their competitions and have advanced to uh the state uh rounds as well and we're excited for their uh upcoming competitions. We all know about football uh and their journey uh to winning a CIF title. Coach Mazota in his ninth CIF uh championship appearance has won an incredible eight times which is the Orange County record. Uh he is by far uh one of my uh favorite coaches I've ever had the uh privilege of working with. Uh and what he does with the kids. As much as we keep

046talking about this is his eighth. His message was to the kids this is your first. This is your first. This is your first. Uh and to them I was excited to see that hey the attention was on our kids. Uh but it's just he led them through this. It's a year-long process for all of our coaches. It just doesn't happen in three months. It is a journey. And just want to credit coach Mazota and his coaching staff just for a great ride. Uh if you have been part of us, I'd like to thank our our families, our students, our alumni, our community for packing the stands. We went all the way to West Lake uh village uh and faced Oaks Christian and outdrew them uh during the holiday Thanksgiving. The championship game was in Menafe.

047I'm driving out there. I'm thinking, "Yeah, we're going to we're going to pack the stands." Halfway there. I'm like, "Oh, maybe not. It's really far." Uh I get there, right? I'm in line and my wife looks at me and she goes, "I thought you were a big deal." And I'm like, "We'll work our way up to the front, right?" And we get there and they're packed. We're our fans are on the other side of the stands as well. Um and and this doesn't happen also with our great alumni as well. I just do want to acknowledge two incredible human beings uh Kyle Petco and Greg Gaines for funding our router busters. And they're not cheap. They were nice. They weren't the yellow buses, right? They were air conditioning with the restroom. Uh just really thankful

048for uh the gift uh of time that they gave us and our fans and our kids to be able to go. Also want to knowledge AC Jimenez on Saturday became the all-time leading scorer at La Habas history. Uh as is just an incredible young man. He's the most decorated player in La Habra history. He's a CIF champion. First team all CIF, first team all county. And I crack up at this one. He's first team all San Gabriel Valley. I guess they don't understand that there's a hill. We are hills between us and them, but we'll take that as well. He's a league MVP. He's a top 10 player in the state for a point guard position. He will soon be the winningest uh player in program history. uh he's you know raised the bar for

049our kids in our program and he's headed to Dartmouth on a full ride scholarship in the fall and he's going to kind of again just lead us into an incredible season. Really excited for him and our program. Uh and in Highlanders we do give back right all this we we understand that there's there's a process where as much as we've been given we want to give back and our FCA our NHS ASB continue to collect for our our most needy families in our community. I do acknowledge FCA our Fellowship of Christian Athletes uh through Operation Christmas Child. They collected 134 gift boxes and they worked with Heights Christian, our elementary school kids to put this together uh and kind of give something to our families in our communities and around the world. Congratulations to Miss

050Derer, uh Mr. Marshall, Mr. Cap, Miss Johnson for their incredible support. And then finally, obviously, we're heading into finals. Uh and it's as much as is stressful uh for all of us, we just want to stay as we kind of take this last few weeks just to say thank you to all of our families. Uh I see many Highlanders here with their last homework assignments from Mr. Verdugo or Miss uh uh Miss Hernandez or or Mr. Char. You guys are here for a board meeting. So, thank you for showing up. I guess last homework assignment for you guys, but we want to wish all you guys a joyful holiday season. So, thank you again. This this concludes my report. >> Thank you, Mr. Garcia from Fullerton High School, Mr. Caffrey. >> Thank you, Dr. Mclofflin.

051Good evening, President Buchcci and members of the board. Our winter sports teams are off to an amazing start, looking to match the success of the fall season where we had four league titles and all all teams making the playoffs. Tonight, you'll hear about two of those amazing programs. In just our second year competing, our mock trial team finished league play with an outstanding three-1 record, earning a spot in the playoffs. Out of 52 Orange County schools, we ranked in the top 16. And although we battled hard, we missed advancing by just one percentage point. A remarkable achievement for such a young program. Our Pause for Pause Club in collaboration with the Wellness Center is bringing some calm to the finals week by hosting a dog wellness event where certified therapy dogs and handlers will be

052on campus to support our students. In the arts, our marching band and color guard concluded their season with their show steampunk at the Division 3A finals on November 22nd with percussion placing ninth out of 23 schools. Our fall dance concert on December 4th and 5th showcased two incredible performances. And our vocal ensemble performed at the Fullerton's Ebell Club's holiday lunchon, an event made even more meaningful thanks to the Ebell Club's $3,000 donation to our program. This year, our jazz ensemble shared holiday music at John Wayne Airport and the Fullerton Winter Market. And this past weekend's home for the holidays celebration brought together students from vocal music, theater, dance, instrumental music, and triam for a wonderful community event. Finally, our Mary Poppins spring musical is well underway with auditions completed before Thanksgiving and a successful parent

053meeting held last week. Overall, our students continue to shine academically, artistically, and in their contributions to campus life. I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season. This concludes my board report for the month of December. >> Thank you, Mr. Caffrey. And last but not least, uh, Brainer Park High School. We saved him for last because he brought visual aid. So, uh, Dr. Berg, Bueno Park High School. >> We got some props. You just have to wait for a moment. So, thank you, Dr. Mclofflin, President Bush, and members of the board. Even though this semester is coming to a close, we are closing it out strong at the park. And so, I'd like to publicly thank the teachers and all my staff for their hard work this semester, really pushing the students to new heights

054and reaping the rewards of their hard work. So, it is a group effort at the park. So, I am really proud of our staff. In athletics, the last of our competing programs finished up their CIF play with cross country runners earning multiple PRs in their CIF prelims. Football making it to the CIF quarterfinals and water polo um all the way to the CIF semi-finals. The winter season uh has started out strong, so we'll see if the winter sports can match our fall success of seven out of eight programs competing in CIF postseason play. In the arts, our performing artists are busy closing out the semester as well with their winter holiday performances. Choir sang to a soldout show this past Thursday in preparation for their upcoming festival in New Orleans next month. Dance will be

055performing to two soldout shows this Thursday and Friday. And band will undoubtedly do the same next Thursday with a jazz dinner and then full program concert. But don't worry, even though they're sold out, if you'd like to come, we'll find a seat. And then lastly, in academics. So, the biggest moment for BP over the last month, and yes, I do have a prop, >> is that our early college academy was recognized last uh last week as a model open access dual enrollment program in California. This program has expanded higher education opportunities, helping to close equity gaps for students across the academic spectrum. I've spoken periodically over the past couple years as we've implemented the unique structure of this program and shared the amazing data that proves why this program uh has been a success. And

056I'll provide another update in January or February when we get this semester's data, but it will um assuredly be as good as the years past. But I want to close by recognizing the support by our district leadership uh and the board of trustees because this program serves as a scalable and replicable pathway for rigorous and equitable college uh access. Special thanks to Miss Folly and Miss Klatsker and Dr. Mclofflin and Miss Oera who joined uh myself, Dr. Mazanderani, Miss Ggo, Mr. Bench, and Mr. Vermillion at the Golden Bell Awards ceremony up in Sacramento last week. And it is a great time to be a Coyote. So, thank you and happy holidays. And this concludes my December board report. >> Yeah, congratulations. It was fun to be there with you guys and and see you. Go

057ahead. You can ring it one more time if you want. >> Uh Mrs. Bushie, >> uh any board members have any comments they would like to make? No. You know, actually, I would u >> I was going to say congratulations, Dr. Berg. on the golden. Yeah, that's good. That's good. [laughter] >> We can all spend the rest of the meeting doing that. No, I I just wanted to comment and again thank all the principles for your report. And Ari, [music] you know, there are a lot of ways to find out what's going on on the campuses. There's a lot on social media, which I love, but I look forward to these meetings and hearing a lot more details. So, thank you for taking time to do that. And this doesn't happen at most school boards

058that I know of. Most principles aren't there with us at the the table and I think it shows how much we appreciate and value everything that you do as leaders of your campuses. So, thank you for that. Um, there's been a lot on social media recently. The one that popped up was Sonora's food drive, which I know is very traditional and you mentioned I was overwhelmed at the picture of the amount of products that have been accumulated purchased for distribution to the community. Um, thank you for congratulations on the golden bell. >> You know, it was interesting when um and there's been a lot about football. I uh one of the things I enjoyed finding on I think it was on Instagram, the players were interviewed by one of the young ladies at La Habra

059High School. It was so much fun listening to your answers to the questions. [laughter] It was and you know it it brought home to me that you guys really are a family, a team, and and the way that you you played this last game, even when you were behind, you didn't let that slow you down. you tried till the very end to just a few points short. So anyway, I again, thank you. I love that you and uh Mark, when will mention the elf dance, you kind of smiled. Watch out. I think he may pop over to Troy to watch that. [laughter] Anyway, thank you for letting me say that. Thank you. All right, I think um we are now at the for the um updates from the employee association's FSDO president Angie Sac. Please

060come to the podium. >> Did you have to say >> good evening and congratulations President Bushie trustees and Dr. Mclofflin. It is already December and at the end of the first half of the 202526 school year. Our teachers are busy preparing for final exams next week and the beginning of our winter break on December 22nd. We have had a busy first half of the year and are ready for and we are all ready for rest and relaxation. Last month we completed our years of service recognitions on our campuses and we celebrated our staff members who have been working in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District for 20 years, 25 years, 30 years and 35 years. We salute those of you who have achieved these milestones and thank you for your service to our schools

061and our students. I've also had the privilege of visiting our campuses recently, all eight campuses in two weeks. I'm done with pizza. And I've had I had the privilege of having lunch with our FSTTO members on each school site. We have discussed the importance of supporting the extension for Proposition 55, which would continue funding our schools in California beyond 2030. [music] Proposition 55 currently impacts 1.5% of Californians with a single income filing of at least $263,000 or a joint income filing of at least $526,000 per year. FSTTO is currently seeking support from its members to sign petitions to get the new proposition on the November 2026 ballot, and we have work to do. We will be gathering signatures on each campus site over the next two weeks and into early January 2026. Our goal is

062to have 85% of our members assign the petition. So members, if you're listening out there, please reach out to your site representatives and get your names on those petitions. On January 7th, 2026, Anaheim Secondary Teachers Association will host anformational session regarding the Proposition 55 extension and how it will impact schools in North Orange County. Dr. Dr. Mclofflin and Trusty Folly will be attending the meeting along with vice FSTO Vice President Amanda Geyser and myself. We look forward to reporting what we learn at our next board meeting. Last week, I was invited to join the Troy High School mentor program meeting and lunchon. Jill Romero is doing an amazing job leading a coalition of mentors that are working with our new educators on that campus. Thank you to our amazing veteran teachers who are taking time

063out of their busy schedules to complete classroom observations, meet with new teachers, and provide guidance for them. Dr. Minster also joined in our meeting, and we appreciate the support being given at Troy High School for this program. Their final meeting will be held in early February, and I'm excited to see how our new teachers report their first year experience at Troy High School and all the fun that they really are having. I wanted to take this opportunity tonight to extend a heartfelt thank you to our assistant superintendent of human resources, Mark Miller, and his team, our human resources director, Julie Gonzalez, our director of risk management, Chris Davis, and our director of student support services, Alan Whitten, for meeting with Amanda Gizer, and I last week to discuss ways to improve upon our emergency protocols.

064All four of them offered insight, and we listened to and listened to our concerns regarding emergency procedures on our campuses. We learned so much from each other sitting in that room last week and realize we need to have ongoing conversations regarding the safety of our students, our staff members, and our communities. The six of us are committed to working on this project, and we look forward to what we can accomplish together. Thank you so much for listening to our concerns. Thank you to Dr. Calhoun, our outgoing FJUSD board of trustees president. You have represented our district and our schools with such enthusiasm and a lot of love this past year. We appreciate you and look forward to to your continuing work on this board and and the trustees over the next several years. And thank

065you to President Bushie for stepping in and taking over, too. On behalf of our FSTTO members, we wish you all a very wonderful holiday season and a healthy, happy 2026. Get some rest during the break because when we turn when we return in January, we still have a lot of work to do. Thank you. Yeah, I believe uh Bill Hager from CSEA is not here, but is >> No report tonight. Okay, thank you very much. Okay, next we have the opportunity to hear from our PTA leadership uh from Fullerton Council. >> Good evening, Dr. Mclofflin, President Buchcci, and members of the board. I'm Nvidia Jawwir and I've mentioned as I've mentioned numerous times to you, I serve as the executive vice president of Fullerton Council PTA. As we are heading into our muchneeded and very

066much anticipated winter holiday break, we at Fullerton Council and our individual units are in the thick of holiday philanthropy and celebrations. [music] I know many of you principals and staff have already enjoyed Thanksgiving celebrations and will be or have already enjoyed holiday treats and celebrations courtesy of your PTA and parents as our way to say thank you for all you do for our students. We at council would also like to extend our gratitude to those of you here on our FJUSD school board. Please know that we are truly grateful for each and every one of you and your tireless efforts to support our students and their education and activities. Our unit membership campaigns are still going strong at each of our school sites. As of today, Fullerton Council has a total of 4,630 members. We

067continue to encourage all of our teachers, district, and unit staff and admin to join their local unit or multiple units. We would love to see our numbers continue to climb. Every membership dollar makes a difference and allows us to do good things on our campuses. We would like to ask our principles to allow uh to encourage our teachers to join. While the bulk of our PTSA memberships are parents and students, our teachers are an under reppresented population. Also, our high school seniors should all join their local PTSA unit by December 31st. By doing so, they are eligible to apply for PTA scholarships at the state, council, and individual unit level. We would hate to have our seniors miss out on these great scholarship opportunities by missing the membership deadline. So, please help us spread the

068word. Seniors must join PTSA by December 31st. And remember, nothing says happy holidays like a PTA membership. In my previous report, I promised to give you an update on our reflections program. I have some great news. A number of our high school students have moved on to the fourth district level. They are Dayton an film from Sunny Hills. Jaden Lee in dance from Sunny Hills. Camila Wong visual arts from Sunny Hills. Danielle Lee photography from Sunny Hills. Sam Eerson in literature from Fullerton and Rio Gomez in dance from Fullerton. We are so proud to have our high school district so well represented and we will continue to monitor their progress as our students hopefully move on up to the state level. I will definitely keep you posted. Individual PTSA units have been working hard to

069support our local Pathways of Hope program. This program really makes a difference for our local families who are in need this holiday season. Each unit has been gathering food, toys, gifts, gift cards, and money to donate to our local collection center. You've probably heard about programs going on at all of your school sites. Pathways of Hope has come to rely on our incredible high school donations, and I hope you will all contribute to your local school's collection. A reminder that our council meetings are held in this very room the 4th Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. Our next meeting is actually next year on January 20th, 2026. Oh, that's so weird to say that. As always, all of our meeting dates are on our website at www.fulltonspta.org. Feel free to reach out to us

070anytime at fullconsilpt [email protected] and we're always happy to hear from you. Wishing you all a peaceful, relaxing, fun-filled, and lots of sofa time holiday break. We will see you all in 2026. Thank you all so much. Have a wonderful evening. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you very much. And I believe we have no report from La Hab Council this evening. >> Just a quick comment. Okay. Go ahead. Mrs. Oier. >> Good evening, President Bushie, members of the board and superintendent Mclofflin. On behalf of President Susan Cunningham and the La Habra Council PTA, they would like to wish everyone happy holidays and a happy new year. Thank you. Maybe they're recovering. They had a delightful uh holiday event on was that Friday? Yeah. Uh it was it was very festive with lots of detail.

071Everything was taken care of. It was fun. All right. And uh I did skip by your opportunity to make a comment. Dr. Mclofflin, were you going to say something brilliant? >> I was, but I forgot it. So we can move on. Thank you. [laughter] >> Uh next we have recognitions. Dr. Carl Zener, please. >> Thank you, President Bushi, members of the board, and Dr. Mclofflin. This month, we are truly inspired by the dedication, perseverance, and excellence of our fall athletic programs, our student athletes and coaches. Our student athletes have achieved remarkable milestones, earning a CIF championship, advancing to CIF finals, and qualifying for state playoffs. To begin tonight's recognitions, I'd like to invite Fullerton Union High School athletic director Joe Alivas to come forward to introduce his recipients. Dr. Mclofflin, President Buchcci, board members, thank

072you for inviting us here today to celebrate the achievements of our student athletes at Fullerton High School. Our first group tonight is our girls golf team. Representing the team tonight are our players Kira Duffus, Josephine Lee, and Olivia Woo, who are led by their head coach, Michael Guzman. The girls golf team finished in second place in the Empire League and advanced to the CIF playoffs in Division 4. In the playoffs, the team finished as a finalist. We are proud to present to you the CIF Division 4 finalist girls golf team. Good job, coach. Thank you. >> Don't you love it? >> Congratulations. Congratulations. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. >> [snorts] >> Right. Let's hear for Fullerton. Anybody else? >> Okay. Okay. >> Our next group up tonight are our boys um cross country team. If they can

073join me up here right now. Representing the team tonight are Jude Banda, Dylan Cobbs, and Bose Sanderson. The team is led by head coach James Crosik and assistant coach Jessica Camrath. Both teams boys team represented uh repeated as Empire League champions and entered birth into the CIF playoffs in division 2. In the playoffs, the boys ran fast and were CIF finalist for division two. Here are the boys cross country division 2 CIF finalist. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Congratulations. I see you guys out there running. Congrats. Congratulations. >> Our last group tonight from Fullerton are the girls cross country team. If they could join me up here right now with coach Tonight we have with us Keely Gallagher, Jada Sai, and Sophia Botner. Once again, the team is led by coach James Cros and assistant coach Jessica

074Camrath. The girls cross country team finished with the back-to-back Empire League championship in addition to a back-to-back CIF final appearance. Here are the CIF Division 2 finalist girls cross country team. Fullerton, great job. Congratulations, Fullerton. And to conclude our recognitions, I would like to welcome to the podium athletic director, Mr. Paul Caffrey. >> Thank you, President Buchcci, members of the board, and Dr. Mclofflin for having us tonight. Uh, first, I'd like to recognize our Girl Stock golf team. Unfortunately, they were unable to be here. They're all uh competing in other sports tonight. Uh, but we'd like to uh recognize their second place freeway league finish. And then their they were CIF Southern Section Division 3 finalists. And those members were Sydney Verdugo, Sienna Verdugo, Amanda Ramirez, Sophie Oliver, Juliana Seiggoia, and Elelliana Deatori. So, we

075want to clap it up for them. And next, we'd like to have our uh our head coach, Frank Mazota, and our players come on up. It uh it is my honor to recognize our 2025 CIF Southern Section Division 4 football champions are our La Habra Highlanders. Joining us this evening are head coach Frank Mazota, student athletes Bobby Brooks, DJ Mitchell, Jacob Morales, Noah Poppin, and Luke Hedgepath. A group that represents the heart, resilience, and pride of our program. This team completed an incredible season, finishing 11-4 and battling all the way to the CIF State regional final where they came up just short last Friday in a hardfought game against a very talented Bakersfield Christian team. This championship realm was built on toughness, unity, and belief. Week after week, our players showed tremendous growth and an

076unwavering commitment to each other. And their effort not only brought home a CF title, but also re-energized our community and reminded us of all what it means to embody Highlander spirit. Uh like uh Mr. Garcia said earlier, we also want to recognize coach Frank Mazoto who this year secured his eighth CF championship, tying the record for the most in Orange County history. his leadership, passion, and dedication to our student athletes cont continue to elevate La Habra football and inspire everyone who has been a part of this program. On behalf of La Habra High School, thank you for allowing us to celebrate this exceptional group. We're incredibly proud of what they accomplished and how they represented our district and the legacy that they leave behind. Thank you. That is probably All right, Zville Highlanders. Thank you,

077President Bushi. That concludes our recognitions. Any board members like to make any comments? No. Would you like to? >> No. >> Okay. We will have a recess. Recess. call the meeting back to order, please. Uh, and first on the agenda is number nine, which is public comments. And I have one blue card from um Dr. Crane McLaren. Hello, I'm Dr. McLaren. I am a proud uh Fullerton High School alum as well as a professor at Calpaly Pomona. Um I'm here to talk about the uh selection process for the uh Fullerton mascot. uh we had a a name that was brought up that apparently didn't make it in because the window of time by which the uh uh public comment could be collected was very short and we didn't even know it was there. So, we

078were just going to ask him for some flexibility if a new name might be given some uh some consideration. The reason we're doing this is we have a historic opportunity uh to choose a mascot that represents Fullerton High School uniquely. No one else can use this. The name that I proposed is Stratacasters or Strats for short. Uh the Fender Stratacastaster has been the standard rock and roll guitar since it was introduced in 1954. Uh Leo Fender, an alum of Fullerton High School, built his company not six blocks from the high school um and undoubtedly hired a lot of Fullerton High School alum. So we can safely say that the Stratacaster is truly a product of the people of Fullerton Union High School and considers a historic part of its contribution to American culture. Okay. Um

079that's basically it. We would just ask that you at least grant us a chance to consider it along with others. I know there are processes that people particularly in academia like to follow. But uh one thing that has been found in the research area of social choice is there's no such thing as a process that will actually work without flexibility and without uh human good judgment. There's processes can give you information. They can give you insight, but they don't make good decisions. Well, that's how we keep from being replaced by AI. Okay. So we just encourage you to, you know, give us a chance to consider the stratacasters. Just as an example, I drew up a logo. The whole purpose of this thing is simply to show that there's a way of doing it that

080keeps the same logo that you've already got. So you save money as well as save a lot of people's clothing. So I think that'll do it. Thank you very much. >> Thank you for your comments. Uh, as you probably know, the board is not uh unable to discuss uh non-aggenda items here, but if you have any other comments, you need to contact the district office for your for your points. Thank you very much for being here. >> No, superintendent comments. >> None at this time. Thank you. >> Oh, come on. [laughter] >> All right. Next on the agenda are reports. And first is um the 2026 schedule of regular meetings of the board of trustees. And uh do you have any comment there? Should just go right for the vote. I think we've seen this

081before. Okay. We need a motion to approve the um schedule of regular meetings. >> Moved by Lauren, seconded by Chester. Any comment? Uh Ari, would you like to cast your vote? >> I approve. >> Thank you. All in favor, please say I. I. Opposed. Pass has four to zero. I think Vickiy's had to leave. No. Okay. All right. Next on the agenda is um from the business department, uh Ruben Hernandez, certification of the first interim financial report. Thank you and good evening, President Bushie, members of the board, Dr. Mclofflin. Tonight's presentation is to review um the status of our budget um known as the first interim. And in tonight's uh presentation, our expected outcomes is to review our budget cycle. the purpose of first interim uh current financial status uh standing of the district uh

082to review our beginning and ending fund balances um to discuss any federal and state one-time dollars and then future budget considerations as well as next steps. And so just to kind of lay the foundation of how we go about doing this work um with the with the lens from our board and directive from our board um our budgets has been always been built with a conservative lens. Um, in our current budget, we actually now have our three-year agreements of our collective bargain agreements from both uh our labor partners CSEA and FSTTO that [music] run from the 2025 through the 2028 school year. And so being able to have those in our budget and the um and there's those projections, we're able to effectively manage um our one-time dollars along with our agreements and then also

083um managing those with the lens of a healthy ending fund balance or reserve for uncert for for those uncertainties. And so being able to to do this with that conservative approach gives us that that more predictability and that flexibility as the state's unpredictability of the financial health of the state um uh fluctuates from year to year. >> Ruben, could you bring the mic just >> Absolutely. >> Thank you. >> And so this is a our budget cycle that I I like to show at um all of our presentations. And and in this cycle here, we are currently here tonight to discuss the first interim. And through the cycle, um the next big moment for us is going to be the governor's proposed budget, which will highlight what's coming for the 2627 school year. Um where

084where it'll allow us to start um planning and having conversations on what the 2627 budget will look like. And the next time we'll be in front of the board to discuss um the budget reporting cycle. We'll have an update with the governor's budget proposal at our second interim in March. And so the purpose of the um first interim is as a requirement uh Assembly Bill 1200 requires interim reports to identify the status of all school districts um throughout the course of the school year. And in tonight's report, it identifies all of our actuals from July July 1st through October 31st and the projections for the rest of the school year. It also includes a multi-year projection for the two out for the two out years. um and then requires the board to certify the presentation

085for tonight which then gets sent up to the Orange County Department of Education and then up to the California Department of Education as well. And so um this is a slide that shows a um total total uh general fund combined revenues both on the unrestricted and restricted side of the house. And as you can see um on this slide, the pie chart shows over 70 about 77% of our local control funding formula coming from the state. And so as the state goes, so does our budget. And so managing that and keeping an eye on that process is important for us as we as we look forward to projecting the budget and and the outy years. On this slide is our total combined unrestricted and restricted balances of um expected um expenditures for this year. And

086and again, the majority of our of our budget is comprised of our salaries from our certificate classified um staff um and as well as identifying our employee benefits. Uh the rest of the of the pie chart um will identify the daily operations that it takes for us to to um to run the schools and that's books and supplies and other services and contracts, consultants and things of that nature. And then the capital outlay component is um the daily maintenance that we have um for our facilities. And so how do we build our budget and how do those numbers come together? Um it starts with our assumption our budget assumption process for first interim. Um it I also want to include the um the actuals from last year just so we can see um how we're

087trending and what we're tracking when it comes to these assumptions. And so um the first column is the enrollment of first interim. Um the two highlighted numbers are are projected I mean not projected actuals as of as of this report. Last year October 2nd 2024 is when we identified our enrollment for last school year and this is our seabeds day. It's the first Wednesday of every October and that's why you see this year's number October 1st being a different date. Um and then the two out years is a three-year trend analysis what we use as far as a declining enrollment. Um as that as that adjusts we make adjustments to those projections as well. And so our estimated ADA for first interim last year that number officially was submitted as 94.56%. Um and so we

088are currently tracking a little over currently tracking a little over 96% in the first few months of the school year. It's very similar to last year, but then we're coming up on flu season and um and that kind of has an impact on to what happens. So we'll continue to keep an eye on our um on our ADA um as we're tracking. But again, as we go through the process, we are doing it a conservative approach. You see quarterly increments growing for each school um for each school year in this in this report. Um and as we um finalize what ADA looks like after P1, which is coming up in December, we'll have a better idea what that looks like and we'll get it we'll have a better update at second interim. And if those

089numbers come to fruition, we'll make those adjustments accordingly. on duplicated count. This is um identifying our supplemental concentration dollars within our local control funding formula. Last year we officially um uh I think had the highest mark in the district's history as 62 and a quarter. Um we're projecting the outy years as 60 62% now as we've seen some consistency in that uh duplicated count percentage and um we anticipate that number to be very close if not similar to uh what we're projecting at 62%. I think the last time we checked it was 61 a half um and we're finalizing that information um in the next few weeks. And then lastly is the statutory uh cola. As you can see the two highlighted items there, the state has funded us this year at 2.3% of statutory

090cola. Um you see in the two out years, the projections are at 3.02 and 3.42. and we're starting to get some more information as to those numbers looking slightly different um based off of the legislative analyst office projections. Uh we think about a half a percent lower in 2627 but we're also thinking maybe a half a percent higher in 2728. So we'll continue to track that. We'll have some more information at the governor's proposed budget. Um but all in all the these numbers are very similar to what we saw during the adopted budget and the results was this. And so as you can see here um the the very bottom at adopted budget back in June compared to today the numbers are identical. So there's no change but really where the two differences took place

091is property tax was identified uh a little over $4 million higher and when that happens the state aid reduces by the difference. So whenever one of those two numbers goes up the other offsets those dollar amounts. So not not much difference to our total bottom line. Um the good news though, property taxes being as um growing as high as they did uh bodess well for us with measure out as we continue to work through the bond process. And so here's the um combined uh general fund revenue um with all all accounts identified side by side. And as you can see here, the total dollar amount um increased by about $3 million. And that was due to um our cowshaped grant. So, our cowshape grant was um uh a program where we had to pay upfront

092um and be reimbursed as the projects get completed and it was really to um address plumbing fixtures to uh create better water flow, more efficiency. Um and so we're working through that project and we're just about done and now we've identified those revenues in our budget since the adopted budget. So here we have the uh expenditures side by side adopted budget and first interim and the biggest difference even though uh it looks like a drastic increase is that we we were we weren't quite sure what the early retirement incentive was going to cost the district. So we set it aside in the end fund balance um as an assigned line item and as we got into the school year we started to identify what those costs would look like. So we transitioned those costs into

093the expenditure lines now removed it from the ending fund balance and that's why you see a big jump in the expenditures. The early return incentive is probably projecting about five and a quarter and we were kind of I think we yeah exactly we put five and a quarter in the assigned ending fund balance and it was pretty much spoton um in regards to that projection. And the other um increase you'll see in here is really just the addition of adding CSEA's collective bargaining agreement. And between those two things um kind of made up the majority of that that swing including the cow shape grant. And so here's the multi-year projection um the current year and the two out years. Um and as you can see on this slide uh the row I'd like us to

094focus on is the surplus deficit line item. Um, and you'll see that as the slides I went through before is about a $9 million difference in regards to what we what we see in expenditures versus revenue. And this has to do with again those items I referenced earlier which was the cowshaped the early retirement incentive. And that's why we see that s the the deficit as 9 million. Again a planned deficit uh approach like we've discussed in the past. And then in 2627 you see a surplus of 2.4 million. And then in 2728 um a plan deficit again. And in the third year it's um our collective bargain agreement um has a onetime payout for all employees. And that number is about 2.8 million as a one-time cost. So if we remove that from this

095um from this concept here, it'd actually be a surplus in that third year. And so here's the end fund balance u broken down as far as how those dollars are identified. And if as you can see here, um the restricted line item are dollars that are spent specifically on on dollars on how they're received. The 3% reserve for economic uncertainty is a requirement by the state. And then the assigned fund balance line item um is our bus replacement program. So really the unassigned fund balance at the very bottom is where we can see um where we can spend those funds as we see fit based on program needs and uh board discretion. And lastly, um, ending fund balance, um, reflected at the at the very bottom reflects an average of about 32% across all three

096years. It's something we've historically seen in our district for the past 10 plus years approximately. And so here's a slide that just kind of highlights what's happening throughout the state um, pre- pandemic going all the way back to the Great Recession um, and leading up to the 2425 school year. You could see that coming out of the great recession, most districts were hovering around 12% in reserves. And as we get closer to um the pandemic, a lot of one-time influx of dollars comes in. And most districts start to jump up about 22 to 25%. Which is where it's kind of plateauing right now. And we are, like I mentioned earlier, averaging in the multi-year projection about 32%. So really good place, healthy indie fund balance. Um, and I wanted to kind of break down the

097restricted side because it was an item that I referenced earlier that has to be spent in a specific way. And I just want to highlight these three particular items out of that 17 million which represents about $9 million of that. And that's our discretionary block grant um known as the student support professional development. Um the learning recovery emergency block grant and then the arts and music prop 28. Um and the difference between that um is about $8 million and that's about our standard title one lottery um restricted routine maintenance um and our restricted any fund balance. And then I just wanted to circle back around to this topic here which is what I opened up with. [music] Um we can't have those kinds of reserves or that kind of budget without this lens and how

098we actually operate and build our budget. So big thank you to our labor partners um in this uh last successful CBA which allows us to um project um in a manner which uh allows us to see a bigger picture for the next few years um and allows us to plan as a state um puts new information in front of us and as we navigate that landfield. Um and then here's some considerations for us to con um to consider as the 2627 budget um is around the corner. uh what's the the financial health of the state world conflicts federal changes such as the department of education where they're reassigning those um those employees into different departments or different sectors within the federal government um how does that impact the funding coming from the federal side of

099the house those one-time dollars whether they come from the state or federal side how do we manage that and then monitoring our health cost escalations in our budget we use a 5% escalation cost the past couple years it's been about seven and a half as an average. So, we're covering it in our in our projections, but we're continue to monitor that just to make sure that we're tracking that [music] um uh more accurately. And then lastly, whatever happens up uh in the legislation with proposed bills, what sort of financial impacts they may have on our on our uh budget. And next steps for us is tonight is to uh recommend approval of the 2526 first interim and to the next step is in January to uh uh to go to the governor's proposed budget. Um

100and then initiate the out the alcap budget process. Um I know that's already started on the alcap side. um but how do we now merge that with the budget information that we get from the proposed budget from the governor and then developing our master schedules um enrollment projections and staffing associated with that and then we'll be back in March for the second interim update and then we'll continue to develop the 2627 outcap and adopted budget process and so as in the past the statement um I've read to the board before in submitting the 2526 for interim report as positive the board of trustees understands its fiduciary responsibility to maintain fiscal solveny for the current and two subsequent fiscal years. And with that, I'd like to say thank you to this team here, but a big

101thank you to Miss Christy Navaro, who's with us today, um, going through her first interim for the first time. Um, so I want to really appreciate the work you did the past few months and getting us to the place where we can present this information to the board tonight. With that, that concludes my presentations and I can answer any questions the board may have. >> Thank you very much, Ruben. Uh, any questions or comments? Ari, no. >> Thank you. Looks good. We appreciate all your work. >> You're welcome. >> Do you have any comments? >> I feel like I need to now um after all the pressure. Uh, no, just really grateful for u Mr. Hernandez and uh Mrs. Navaro. Uh, and especially coming in. I mean, you were just appointed like 3 seconds ago,

102so um really diving in. And I know there's some extra time over the Thanksgiving break. So really thank you. You're doing a great job. Uh but really a testament to the the work of this district. It's a collective work, right? When we see numbers like that. And um this was going to be my closing comment. saw at it. Now, uh we got to spend a week up at CSBA in Sacramento, uh talking to uh other school board members, other superintendents, um meeting with uh their elected officials around. And um I outside of a basic aid community funded district. I I would challenge anyone to to find uh a more balanced budget um that also has a collective bargaining agreement um as we do with our labor partners. um focus on programs and the variety of

103programs that we have and then maintains that reserve which has historically benefited us um and and does benefit us not just in program but in case there is a change in the the state or the federal government. So I appreciate the leadership Mr. Hernandez and the team but really it's emblematic of this whole organization. So uh just grateful uh for the work that's being done there. So thank you. >> Thank you very much. Okay. All right. Next is oh administrative services uh communications Dr. Carl >> Zena say oh sorry I guess the most important thing is is voting [laughter] is there a motion to approve the first interim >> moved by Lauren and seconded by Chester. Uh any comments? Any? No. Uh Ari, would you like to vote? >> I approve. >> Thank you. All

104in favor please say I. I oppose. pass for. All right. Next is uh Dr. Cer. >> Thank you, President Bushi, members of the board, and Dr. Mlofflin. Our December newsletter went out December 3rd with our theme inspired by parents and guardians. This month, we recognize and appreciate the extraordinary families who stand alongside our students every day. Whether you're attending school events, staying connected with our staff, or encouraging your students at home, your involvement strengthens the fabric of the Fullerton Joint Union High School District. We are sincerely thankful for the dedication and support of our parents and guardians and we that they bring to every one of our campuses. In social media, we are excited to unveil our January open enrollment marketing blitz set to launch [music] January 4th. I want to thank all of our

105schools, our principles, our APSAs, and all of our staff for working so diligently the past semester with B43 to create some exciting and new content to highlight the great things happening at all of our campuses. And some big events. Our district is proud to host the CIF State Football Championship Games this coming Friday and Saturday. It will be the second year in a row Fullerton Stadium is hosting and the first year that Buena Park is hosting. This is December 12th and 13th. So come and share this incredible talent hitting the field and there will be a total of 10 games. And winter sports season is here. We kicked off in November and it runs through mo through March. Come support our teams and follow along on our social media for highlights and updates. And it's

106also a season to celebrate all of our arts. Many of our schools are having holiday performances for the month of December. Experience the joy of the holidays through music, theater, and visual arts across our schools. [music] Please visit www.fjudvapa.com [music] for these event dates. And come out, show your support, and help us celebrate our incredible student artists this holiday season. And then a reminder of some upcoming non-pupil days. As we head into December, we want to remind our families and students and staff of these days. Semester records day, students do not attend. Friday, December 19th, and then winter recess begins Monday, [music] Monday, December 22nd, and runs through Friday, January 2nd. Fullerton Joint District wishes everyone a happy holiday filled with gratitude and joy. Thank you >> very much. Questions or comments? Do we know

107yet which teams will be playing at our campuses? >> I think it just got released. So, yeah, I think we've got an Orange County team. Woodbridge >> Beckman >> and Beckman >> some up up north and >> yeah we'll send the list and I know we're starting to post some of that stuff on social media so we'll push it out just so people are aware >> and and I appreciate Dr. Zena, I know you worked with the cities too, both Bueno Park and Fullerton to not only highlight our school district, but the cities of Fullerton and Bueno Park. So, it's become a really nice uh asset uh to host, showcase our our um our facilities. Unfortunately, we didn't get a team in close. Um but uh but yeah, it really brings a lot of people

108from around the state u to walk on our campuses and and uh um to really highlight our cities. So, it's been nice. >> I didn't know if Bakersfield would be down here. So, those are upper levels and they're at Saddleback. >> So, they're down at Saddleback College. Um, so they'll be passing by. They have to drive farther >> uh to their next school. >> All right. Thank you very much. All right. That brings us to the consent calendar. Are there is there any item that a board member would like to have removed for discussion or questions or separate action? I hear nobody nodding. All right. Uh, I would look for a motion to approve the consent calendar. Moved by Chester, seconded by Joanne. Uh, any comments? Ari, would you like to vote, please? >> I

109approve. >> All in favor, please say I. I >> oppose. Pass four to zero. I'm thinking I think that brings us to board member superintendent comments. You already did yours. Thank you. >> I have more. >> Oh, you have more. Go ahead. You >> first. >> All right. No, you guys go ahead. Ari, would you like Do you have any closing comments? >> Not at this moment. >> Okay, Jester. >> As we come close to the holidays, I want to say happy holidays. >> Hope everybody has a smooth end of the semester and a wonderful winter break and happy holidays. I want to echo the happy holidays and the thank you to all of our site teams, both classified and certificated, for all the work that they do all year for our kids. And I

110just I don't want to p pontificate, but I'm reflecting back on our time in Sacramento last week when I was talking to board members that are figuring out how to cut millions and millions from their budget. And I feel so incredibly lucky to be part of a team of people as a board, but also cabinet and sites that values our kids so much that we have made financing their education and everything associated with it such a priority. And um I just want to thank everyone for keeping our eyes on the prize and the kids front and center. And thank you guys for all that you do. Well, I don't know what more to say. I was going to say merry Christmas, happy Hanukkah. That starts Sunday, doesn't it? And then happy holidays for whatever other

111ways people celebrate. And I hope you all have a restful vacation, everybody. And you said you had more comments. >> Just a couple more comments. And I appreciate the pontification. Um, it was really nice being at California uh schoolboard Association. Uh, Ari, I know your mom's in the audience too with uh Deanna and our our schoolboard members. It's great to learn. um in in that environment from other people. It's great to spend time together. It's a very reflective moment um and it is a chance to to do some comparisons and um and it's not a like a competition but it's it's a good reflective moment to come back and say how are we doing and at all levels as we came back and shared uh we learned some new things and we are very grateful

112and appreciative of the work going on in this district and be a part of this team. Uh I do want to once again congratulate Mrs. Bushie. Um, this is now my fifth year. So, we're cycled all the way down. We started here in my first year, cycled you all the way back and you stayed along and I stayed along. So, I appreciate the opportunity to work with you again as a second term of board president. And again, Dr. Calhoun had a pre-planned exit tonight. So, just wanted everybody to know that was um something she wanted to be here for uh her last board meeting as board president. But what a great job Dr. Calhoun did in taking uh in preparation with Dr. Jen and then taking over the seat and helping us lead this year.

113Yeah, we talked about enthusiasm, love, u and passion and uh she hustled. She got out to all the sites multiple times. She got to see the program. She got to interact um with constituents. Um she was on the ball and and it is no small task being board president. Seems like another seat, but everybody's now been here. And so I know she's a little relieved to be down with Ari uh and Chester and then Miss Bushi coming in. uh but she stepped up to the plate and uh just really proud of the work that she's done and look forward to uh 26 working with you again and happy holidays, merry Christmas, uh happy Hanukkah, happy new year. That's it. >> Okay, well that concludes our board meeting. Thank you everyone for being here.