001[laughter] >> That's why they're distinguished schools. Uh-huh. All right. Where did that go? All right, let's call the uh meeting to order. Uh we begin each meeting with a pledge to the flag, and after the pledge I'd ask you to please remain standing. Please stand. Put your 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. Please remain standing. We're deeply saddened to learn of the passing of retired teacher Ronald Vandersluis. Uh Ron Vandersluis attended Garden Grove High School where he distinguished himself as a talented athlete. He continued his football career at Cerritos College and later at San Diego State University. Following his collegiate years, Ron began
002his coaching career at Marina High School, laying the foundation for a lifetime dedicated to students and athletics. In 2002, Ron joined the GGUSD family as a teacher at Garden Grove High School where he served for 9 years. During that time, he also led the football program as head coach, guiding his teams to the playoffs in six of his seven seasons. In 2009, he transitioned to La Quinta High School as athletic director, where he continued to shape and support student athletes until his retirement in 2018. In retirement, Ron found great joy in golfing, traveling, and spending time with his wife, two sons, and grandchildren. Colleagues and former students fondly remember him as Coach V. As a coach, he set high expectations and instilled the values of discipline and perseverance. As a teacher, he had a remarkable
003ability to make every student feel capable of success. As a mentor, he offered steady guidance to students, teachers, and young coaches alike. Above all, Ron is remembered as an exceptional human being, someone who led with integrity, treated others with kindness, and left a lasting positive impact on our district. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ronald Coach V. Vandersluis, and we want to observe a moment of silence now in his memory. Thank you, and you may be seated. So, our first first order of business tonight is some special recognitions, and I'd like to call forward Dr. Stephanie Hefflin, the assistant superintendent of 7-12 instruction. Yes, we have some really great recognitions this evening. So, let's get started. Good evening, President Harden, members of the board, Dr. Mafi, staff, and guests. It
004is my distinct pleasure to introduce to you our inaugural Garden Grove Unified Student Senate. This outstanding group is made up of senior representatives from each of our eight high schools and marks our very first year of this important student district leadership body. You will find one, of course, sitting on the dais alongside of you, Kristy Gatitu, and then our others um six representatives are down and we'll introduce them momentarily. From the beginning, they have done a tremendous job of setting the bar high for future student senate classes. They have elevated student voice across our district, provided thoughtful insight and feedback, and have been integral in many of this year's activities and initiatives. Their work is not yet finished. They have served as an important connection between the district and their school communities as we prepare
005for the upcoming 60th anniversary celebration, and they will proudly represent Garden Grove Unified alongside their fellow students in the up coming Garden Grove Strawberry Festival parade. We are incredibly proud of their leadership, commitment, and the example they have set for those who will follow. At this time, it's my honor to present to you the 2025-2026 Garden Grove Unified Senate. When I call your name, please stand for a moment. Bolsa Grande High School, Montserrat Valdevinos. >> [applause] >> Garden Grove High School, Ann Lee. >> [applause] >> La Quinta High School, Caleb Tu. >> [applause] >> Los Amigos High School, Darla Godinez. >> [applause] >> Pacifica High School school, Sierra Sack. >> [applause] >> Santiago High School, Alvin Reo. >> [applause] >> And Rancho Alamitos, Kristy Gatitu. >> [applause] >> Unfortunately, our eighth student, Hair student, Faith
006Faith could not join us this evening. We have a short video to learn about Student Senate and to meet our senators. We will take pictures following the video. Student Senate really came from a simple idea, making sure that student voice is heard across all of our schools. Our Student Senate is made up of one senior from each high school, elected by their peers. From that group of eight students, one is selected to serve as our student board representative. This year, that is Rancho Alamitos student Kristy Gatitu. At the district level, our student leadership is structured in three main ways. First, we have our Student Senate, which meets about six times a year. Their role is to provide input and feedback that helps inform our student board representative, Kristy, who sits alongside our Board of Education
007and superintendent on the dais during all of our board meetings. The Student Senate also helps bring forward ideas and initiatives to our Board Representative Council, also known as the BRC. The BRC includes four to five ASB members from each high school along with the student senator, and meets monthly. It's a space where students collaborate, share perspectives, and provide feedback on district initiatives. In addition, each student senator also serves on their school's Superintendent's Student Advisory Group, which, as a collective, they meet directly with the superintendent three times a year to share perspectives and discuss key issues impacting students across the district. Together, this structure ensures that student voice isn't just heard, their feedback plays a role in district decision-making. It allows our students to share their experiences, elevate their ideas, and truly partner with us in
008shaping the future of GGUSD. Hi, my name is Montserrat Valdevinos, and I currently attend Bolsa Grande High School, and I previously attended Irvine Intermediate and Rosita Elementary. I really enjoyed being in Student Senate this year because I got to connect with the students on my campus, as well as other students on Student Senate, and I really got to learn what new strategies they implemented into their schools and what challenges they were facing, which I got to put into my school, for example, intervention time. And I plan to major in environmental and earth system science. Hi, my name is Ann Lee. I attended Excelsior Elementary, Jordan Intermediate, and currently Garden Grove High School. Um and being on Student Senate, some of my favorite memories is just having our meetings and discussing with other students and peers
009from other schools, cuz it really opened my eyes to other campuses and other sites, especially in in the district, cuz we're all neighbors and friends. And my plans after high school is to be majoring in political theory and just to see where life takes me. Audie Richie, a senior at Hair High School, began her educational journey at Enders Elementary, continued at Bell Intermediate, and also attended Pacifica High School. Throughout this year, Audie played an active role in collaborating with Student Senate, consistently contributing thoughtful ideas, and serving as a strong representative of Hair High School. She also showcased her artistic talent by designing the original concept and sketch that ultimately became the Student Senate's official logo. Hello, my name is Caleb Tu. I attended Ethan Allen Elementary, McGarvin Intermediate, and now La Quinta High School. And
010my favorite experience on Student Senate has been being able to communicate with students across the district and being able to step forward change on my campus. And I plan to study molecular biology as heading into pre-med at any university I get accepted to. Hello, my name is Darla Godinez. I attended Rosita Elementary, Irvine Intermediate, and Los Amigos High School. My favorite part of being on Student Senate was connecting with admin and my student body, and as well as my peers on Student Senate to ensure a safer campus for everybody. And I will be majoring in public health. Hi, my name is Sierra Sack. I went to Enders Elementary, Bell Intermediate, and Pacifica High School. My favorite thing about Student Senate has been meeting all these great people. For college, I plan to attend SDSU majoring
011in child development. Hi, my My is Kristy Gatitu. I went to Alamitos Intermediate and I go to Rancho Alamitos now. My favorite part about being a student board representative is being able to be the voice for all the students in our district in multiple ways and being able to work really closely with my student senators as well and being able to meet a lot of new and great people in the district. And I am planning to study criminology with a concentration in forensic investigation. Hi there. My name is Isaiah Sal And Real. I attended Riverdale Tech Academy and Santiago High School. My favorite memory with student senate this year was being able to build a connection with the faculty along with building connections with other students from different schools. I plan to study mechanical engineering
012in whatever college I'm able to attend and yeah. Being a student senate representative allows you to build a connection between admin along with our students. We're able to speak up for the students that need representation along with building the connection with many of the students. My experience in student senate was honestly amazing. So I was able to build connections with others including friends and friends of friends in school. I was able to talk to kids that wanted to make improvements on campus and it was just good overall considering the fact that I was able to meet people and put myself out there representing the kids that needed a voice. As a student board representative, I work diligently to make sure our students voices are heard and represented. I do this by working closely with students
013across our district and with the adults who help make our district as amazing as it is. I monitor schools to see what's new and identify any areas of concern while also staying involved at my own school. For example, I created a school wide survey that allowed me to better understand both the challenges our students were facing and the strengths we could build on to make everyone's experience the best it can be. I also attend meetings like BRC where ASB students come together to share ideas about school spirit and activities, student senate meetings where I collaborate with representatives from each of the eight high schools about our school climate and continue working to be a bridge between the students and the district and monthly board meetings. At these board meetings, I attend study sessions and sit
014on the dais alongside the board of trustees and our superintendent Dr. Moffitt. On the dais, I'm not only the student representative but also the voice for all 36,000 students in our district. I provide updates on how we are doing, highlight our accomplishments and future goals and participate in discussions and motions that take place during the meetings. Overall, this position has been one of the most enriching and fulfilling experiences I have ever had and I would honestly choose to do it 10 times over again. I'm truly so thankful to have had such an amazing team of students and adults supporting me every step of the way and has given me a new perspective on the impact representation has on all of our lives. Our 25-26 student senate. >> [applause] >> We're going to take photos but
015I do just want to add this is my fourth year of doing superintendent advisory and it was the first year of student senate and it just added such a written richness. We've had students who've been who are now seniors that are leaving after four years on advisory but having these amazing young people who took the time to serve with their peers, to to collect and organize the information and ask really important questions that elicited student voice. What's the What are the most important topics on campus that the school site and that the district can support and each of our principals played an active role in the advisory as well working with each of the student senators to address the most important issues, things that were easy to fix like changing the toilet paper dispensers that
016didn't that you can only get one rectangle out at a time that was very annoying to more, you know, to more bigger topics like looking at grading and class course selection and and school spirit and so many things that matter to students. So I just want to commend this our first year of doing um the student senate. Dr. Haflan has done a wonderful job leading this but I want to thank each and every one of you for not just the the wonderful work that you did supporting the BRC in your own school but working together to have this model that's going to go forward to your for years to come. So you guys are really innovators and we've been so impressed by by you and we're asking you all to come back and be teachers
017if you're considering it because we'd like to see that in the future. We know you might choose another path but we'd still love to for you to keep an open mind through college. >> [laughter] [applause] >> Ready for the next one? >> We're ready for the next one. This is exciting. All right. Good evening again. It is both an honor and a pleasure to recognize and celebrate an extraordinary accomplishment in the Garden Grove Unified School District. In March, the state of California announced the 2026 California Distinguished Schools and we are proud that nine of those schools are right here in GardenGrove Unified. >> [applause] >> In fact, nine of our 17 eligible secondary schools received this distinction, which is 53%. Um yeah, not that we're counting. Um the most in district history. Previously, we had
018years with nine to 11 elementary school winners, but secondary has historically only had two to four winners. The California Distinguished School Awards recognize campuses in three categories: exemplary high achievers, achievement gap closers, and beacons of opportunity. These honors celebrate schools that demonstrate excellence in overall academic achievement, the progress of historically underserved students, and strong outcomes across multiple measures. Schools are selected based on performance data from the California School Dashboard, including academic performance, graduation rates, and college and career readiness. The California Department of Education identifies distinguished schools in alternating years, elementary schools in one cycle, and middle and high schools in the next. Just last year, 11 GGUSD elementary schools were named 2025 California Distinguished Schools, the second highest total in the state behind only Los Angeles Unified, a district of more than 14 times our
019size. This distinction is not just impressive, it is exceptional. This year, GGUSD again earned more California Distinguished School Awards than any other district in Orange County. Statewide, only Los Angeles Unified School District and San Diego Unified School District, both significantly larger than we are, received more awards. Tonight, we proudly recognize the following schools. Bell Intermediate, joined by uh tonight by us with Chris Holland, principal, and I believe assistant principal Laura Probst. >> [applause] >> Hold on to your seats for a second. >> [gasps] >> Irvine Intermediate, also known as the Hawk House, >> [applause] >> led by principal Holly Jefferson and the rest of the Hawks, McGarvin Intermediate, led by principal Bill Gates, >> [applause] >> Ralston Intermediate, principal Heather Hawking and the Eagles, >> [applause] >> Bolsa Grande High School, joined by us tonight
020with principal Linda Giuliani and the Matadors, >> [applause] >> up, Jenny Phan. We have La Quinta High School, joined tonight by principal Denise Kirkman, >> [applause] >> Oh my goodness. Oh, and Jenny, they're saying hi, Jenny. Yay, Aztecs! >> [laughter] >> She She snuck in there, too. Los Amigos High School, principal Todd Dernurk and the Lobos, >> [applause] >> Pacifica High School, principal Stephanie Bartlett and her admin team, her AP teams are here. >> [applause] >> And we also have Santiago High School, led by principal Christine Pile and the Cavaliers. >> [applause] >> I would also like to highlight that this is the first time Los Amigos High School and Santiago High School have earned this prestigious recognition. >> [applause] >> This achievement reflects the tireless dedication of our teachers, staff, and administrators, as well
021as the commitment of our students and families. It speaks not only of the success of these individual campuses, but also to GGUSD's strong reputation as a model of academic excellence. These results are no accident. They are the product of proven, research-based instructional strategies aligned with our mission to prepare every student for lifelong success. To our distinguished schools, congratulations. You make us all proud and set the standard for what is possible in public education. At this time, we will invite each of our schools, our California Distinguished Schools, forward for a team photo with the board. >> [applause] >> Do I go in the future? Do I go in the future? >> [laughter] >> I figured. Okay, 1 2 3, make smiles. Very good. Next up, Irvine. And let's go to the Hawks. McGarvin Distinguished Schools Yeah.
022Congratulations. What if you stand back here? You can get a few more this way. >> should just go in the front and kneel down. You want to kneel down? Sure, yeah. Let's go in the We're too We're too far away. No one wants to be up here. Let's go up here. I'm going to go in the front. Okay, then you want to go up. All right, ready? 1 2 3, make smiles. >> [applause and cheering] >> McGarvin, come on up. It's your turn. They are. All right, ready? Woo! >> [applause] [applause] >> Bolsa Grande Jenny All right, ready? Big smiles, 1 2 Very good. >> [applause] >> Jenny, come on up as well. >> [laughter] [applause and cheering] >> Bolsa Grande >> [laughter] >> All right, ready? 1 2 3 Very good. >> [applause] >>
023Los Amigos High School Here is Fernanda, Darla All the way. All right, ready? Big smiles, 1 2 3 Very good. >> [applause] >> Come on up, Jenny. I can't All right, ready? Okay, everybody look right here. Big smiles, 1 2 3 Okay, excellent. And 1 >> [applause] >> All right. All right. >> [clears throat] [applause] >> All right, students and school staff, thank you for joining us here this evening for these recognitions. Oh, we want to get you We're going to take a short break and give you an opportunity to quietly slide out the back. >> [snorts] >> All right, I think we're all I think we're all here ready to get started again. Uh let's begin by calling the roll. I thought that was you or me. Student trustee Christy Gatichu? Here. Trustee Dina
024Winn? Here. Trustee Walter Munyitho? Here. Trustee Terry Raco? Here. Trustee Lan Winn? Yeah. Chairperson Bob Harden? Here. Next up on the agenda is public comments. I believe we had one card submitted prior to the start of the meeting. Uh Mr. Dibbs, you're on. President Harden, members of the school board, my name is Nicholas Dibbs. I'd like to first off mention that this is a volunteer appreciation week. So, those of us who volunteer to come here to these board meetings deserve a medal, and if I ever die, please announce me and give me tribute at the beginning of the meeting. Anyway, this is volunteer appreciation week. So, all the volunteers who volunteer in our schools and in the community deserve a round of applause. I want to bring a couple of things reminders of things I've
025asked for in the past. Upcoming is a teen mental health webinar this Thursday the 20 third. Is that going to be recorded and posted on the district's website? I hope Dr. Mafi and your staff can record that webinar that Assemblyman Tiao is doing in conjunction with the district. Uh in And And this is important because Newsweek magazine reported that Generation Z is unemployable due to lack of work habits, and technology is making them antisocial. Parents are concerned about screen time at school. The recent federal court cases in Los Angeles and New Mexico against Meta and uh the In those cases, the juries ruled that Meta is causing mental illness among children. There's a book titled Anxious Generation. Uh I mentioned this, Terry was there at the last uh city council meeting, and I asked them
026to update their mental health resolution cuz next month is mental health awareness month. And I'm going to ask the district to also update your resolution 11 on mental health to incorporate the uh some of the key points that may be presented at this webinar as well as the resolution I gave you from the county health department, County of Orange Health Department in North Carolina. So, if you can It's in the email I sent. I gave Jennifer a copy of the email, which each of you have are going to be given. Also want to ask that the um uh if it if it hasn't been done that the cell phone uh use policy be posted on the uh as board policies and or ARs on the district website. Um also, transparency is really important, and you
027you do a lot of good business at the study sessions, and also the presenters at the study sessions provide good information. I'd like to again ask that you please start recording those either audibly or or on video so that we, the public, can can can can hear what is presented and also any discussions that take place. Uh most importantly as uh the last study session was on the superintendent search, I'd like to ask when and if Dr. Mafi ever retires and you're searching for a new superintendent, that you open that up to the outside. Your solemn One of the most important roles as a school board member is to recruit the best person for the job. If you don't open it up to the outside, you'll never know who the best person is. I know
028we have talent here, but open it up to the outside, and let me know what that decision is. Thank you. Next on the agenda is approval of the minutes from our last meeting on April 7th. Any questions or comments related to the minutes? Then, let's please call the vote. Student trustee Christy Gatichu? Aye. Trustee Dina Winn? Yes. Trustee Walter Munyitho? Aye. Trustee Terry Raco? Aye. Trustee Lan Winn? Yes. Chairperson Bob Harden? >> Aye. Next up, public hearings, presentations, and reports. We do have one public hearing this evening uh related to the GGEEA initial contract proposals that were submitted, I believe, at our last open meeting. I will call the public hearing to order. Believe we have one person who wishes to address the board. Uh Mr. Dibbs. Uh and please keep your comments specifically to
029the topic of this open or this public hearing, which is that initial proposal from GGEEA 2 weeks ago. Okay, well, the I'd like to comment I have some comments that are important for both the board and GGEEA as far as the contract or the proposal for contracts. And if it's not in there this time, I would like to ask that the contract include all the teachers, whether because you do have some teachers in this district that are not represented. And so, I'd like to ask that the contract include, and if it's not in this one, then in future contracts, include all the teachers, including your ROP and auto shop teachers and and your CTE teachers and so on that may not be in the contract. Also, that you reduce the class sizes down to the
030number that they want. Uh class size reduction is really important, particularly in grades 1 through 3 when we had the 20 to one. So, if we can um and and also in the kindergarten reduce the class sizes down in those early grades which are very critical. And so, I'd urge the board to uh find ways, however that is, to find the money somewhere to reduce the class sizes down as low as you can get uh in those uh primary grades. Uh they make a difference um having a smaller class size and also I want to um ask that uh that the contract or if not in this contract, that you also include enough uh staff in your para para professional staff, your instructional aides, that they be paired up in such a way that um
031whether it's inclusion or pull-outs, that you have enough aides to to handle the jobs that need to be done. Particularly, I'm going to mention science as So, Mr. Dibbs, you're you're off topic at this point. >> Well, okay, but have aides for your your science teachers so that they have lab assistants to set up helps prepare uh students for the labs and so on. Some districts are doing that where where the aides work in the science classes. So, uh there's a lot of things that can be done. um uh and I I just uh encourage both GGEA and the board to work together to um help continue to improve the district. Thank you for listening. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? Okay, so with that I will close the public hearing. Next up, uh presentations, we
032have the initial contract proposals from GGUSD to GGEA. Good evening, Board President Harden, Board of Education Trustees, Dr. Mafi, staff, and community. Uh yes, I'm excited to introduce our initial bargaining proposals uh to GGEA for the 26-27 school year. We'd like to open Article 4, hours of employment. Article 6, safety. Article 7, evaluation procedures. Article 9, class size. Article 10, transfer procedures. And Article 11, leaves. Thank you. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Bebacqua. Next up, item five, programs and instructions. I need a motive or a vote. I need a motion. I move Okay, it's been a long day. Move 5A through B. Second the motion. Okay. 5A is an agreement with Alder Graduate School of Education for teacher residency program. Rather than stumbling stumbling through trying to explain this, Dr. Mafi, can you please give us
033the uh Reader's Digest condensed version on this one? Yes. Um we did apply for a grant and received that grant from uh the California Department of Education um through a new innovative program that supports um our that can support and will support our homegrown alumni to come back to us as teachers to spend a year in conjunction with Alder University who will have a year-long program where students can earn their teaching credential while they're student teaching. So, they'll do coursework and their student teaching concurrently over the course of a year. What's different about this program with the grant is that those students will be able to earn a stipend uh during that year. Um one of the challenges has been for um students of for college students wanting to student teach is traditionally, and I
034remember this 35 years ago when I student taught, is that you have to take a semester where you're full-time in a classroom, but you're not receiving any pay. And I remember my husband and I were earning minimum wage jobs and we had a child at home and I was thinking, "How am I going to do this?" I had to work in the evening and work on weekends. We want to provide this pathway for um our alumni so that they can go into teaching without the obstacle of having to forego any any income because for many of our young people who have just graduated from college, they're still helping to support their extended families within the community. And so, this will give a great opportunity for homegrown alumni who graduate um I know that Christie is
035interested in a different field, but you never know, she might want to come back and teach with us. And to be able to um with in conjunction with this university, which works with other districts, will be able to provide a stipend, an annual stipend for those students while they're in the program, as well as financial aid for their university costs, and then conclude that year with a teaching credential. And of course, we're going to be looking across all areas so that we can also develop our dual immersion pathway teaching force in Spanish and in Vietnamese, as well as our special education teaching force in elementary and secondary various subjects. A question. Um I know that we had the program right now with Alder University, um but what would be so difficult that we don't develop
036this type similar program with other university where we often draw uh teacher from? The other universities don't have this program currently. And so, we looked across the state to identify a university there in Northern California that will work cooperatively with us. Um the other universities um are not yet engaged in this type of process. So, they still have the traditional student teaching where they're student teaching without pay for the semester. With Alder, they incorporate. So, they spend four days in um uh the classroom and the fifth day is when they do their coursework. So, it's a very innovative program that many districts across California that are facing shortages in specific areas, for example, dual immersion or special education, are using. And also, particularly for us is that interest in developing our student alumni to come
037into the teaching force in Garden Grove. So, the other universities at this time are not offering. We did check with all of the major local universities. So, how is it a financial contribution between our district and other university? Is there any financial contribution financial sharing? >> Well, the the um Alder University does primarily work in areas such as ours where the students will be eligible for financial aid so that they can work cooperatively to get them that aid. But then the the money from the grant will pay the stipend for the students. And the innovative practice is something unique to unique to them. I imagine the other um universities may start to do that, but at present they have not varied from their traditional pathway of student teaching. Yeah, I think one other one other
038point that that I didn't hear was that the grant also provides uh stipends for mentor teachers to work with each one of these. Um yes, we will have an in-kind contribution to that as well, but the um the the mentor teachers will have a stipend and the mentor teachers will be um elicited based on um you know, the needs um for the student teaching subject areas. Excellent. Then uh item 5B is some out of district events. Um the first two are revisions to events that had already been uh approved by the board. Um Garden Grove, La Quinta, Los Amigos, and Pacific uh heading to the um the California HOSA State Leadership Conference. Uh this has been revised to include an additional chaperone that was with the group so that all the paperwork is in order.
039Uh and also Los Amigos High School, 80 11th grade AVID students. Actually, they've already made their trip to Northern California, uh but we added an additional chaperone that we need to record that um in the public record. Uh number three, Pacifica High School, eight NJROTC students uh to the NJROTC Area 21 Leadership Academy or Ramona High School in June. Again, number four, Pacifica High School, six uh junior ROTC students uh to the NJROTC Sail Academy at Fiddler's Cove in San Diego in June uh to for two sessions in June. Number five, 20 Pacific uh High School cross country members to cross country uh Big Bear Camp in July. Pacifica High School, 16 cross country members to the Nike Elite Cross Country Invitational in Spokane Valley, Washington in September. Can I chaperone that one? It's a
040beautiful place to be that time of year. Think that covers it, 5A and B. Any more questions or comments on those? And let's call the vote. Student Trustee Kristy Gatitu? I. Trustee Dina Nguyen? I. Trustee Walter Muneton? I. Trustee Teri Rocco? I. Trustee Lan Nguyen? I. Chairperson Bob Harden? I. Item six, business. Need a motion for 6A through G. I move item 6A through G. I second the motion. Okay. 6A authorizes 6% average price increase on the eight listed food items from Individual Food Services on bid number 2303 for food service supplies. 6B authorizes the first of four extensions of bid number 2410 for in-wall cafeteria tables and benches from Nelson Adams Naka with no price increase for the next year. 6C is bid number 2512 a fencing project at Murdy, Northcutt, and Parkview. It's
041recommended the board accept the bid for a fencing project 14 at Murdy, Northcutt, and Parkview Elementary Schools and Marvin Intermediate School from J&A Fence in the amount of $548,900 with a district allowance of 50,000 for a total not to exceed 598,000 as a low qualifying bid meeting the specifications, terms, and conditions of the bid. 6D authorizes the use of the San Bernardino City Unified School District bid number 24-12 for the purchase of musical instruments and supplies from Shar Products Company, Bertrand's Music, and Washington Music Center. Terms and conditions of the bid are effective through March of March 4th of 2030. 6E is acceptance of a variety of gifts for meant for many of our district schools. Board members, you have the attached list. And 6F authorizes the use of two district buses and bus drivers
042for the 2026 Strawberry Festival Parade on May 23rd. And 6G purchase orders and checks with grand total of $61,268,986.57. Questions or comments on any of those items? Hearing none, let's call the vote. Student Trustee Kristy Gatichu. Aye. Trustee Dina Win. Yes. Trustee Walter Muneton. >> Aye. Trustee Teri Rocco. Aye. Trustee Lan Win. Yes. Chairperson Bob Harden. Aye. Personnel, before we have a motion, I want to report that agenda item 7C, we did have a closed session with the superintendent and Jason Bovaqua, the assistant superintendent of personnel services to discuss employee discipline, dismissal, release, and existing litigation of one case, Burke Burkland versus Garden Grove Unified School District. No reportable action was taken during the closed session. Need a motion for 7A and B. This is Walter, I move 7A and B. Lan Win is second
043it. 7A is a certificated personnel report, 7B is the classified personnel report. Questions or comments? Hearing none, let's call the vote. Student Trustee Kristy Gatichu. Abstain. Trustee Dina Win. Yes. Trustee Walter Muneton. Aye. Trustee Teri Rocco. Aye. Trustee Lan Win. Aye. Chairperson Bob Harden. >> Aye. Which brings us to closing comments. And we'll start with our student board member, Kristy Gatichu. I think I'm starting to get sick, so forgive me if I start coughing, but closing off today's meeting, I first want to express a heartfelt congratulations to everyone who was recognized today. I also just want to say how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to work so closely with so many incredible student leaders throughout this year. Being surrounded by individuals who are not only talented and driven, but who I'm also
044proud to call my friends has made this experience especially meaningful. It has been such a privilege to learn alongside them, grow with them, and witness all they've accomplished. As one of our final duties of the year as student senate, we are working hard to prepare entertainment and activities for our attendees at the 60th anniversary event on May 15th at Bolsa Grande Stadium. While the district is getting ready to welcome all the new student senate board Welcome the new student senate board, sorry, this fall. I can't wait to see the fresh ideas they bring as well as them continuing the great work that has already been built. Thank you to everyone again for your continued support, and I'll see you at the next meeting. Okay, thank you. Ms. Win. I want to congratulate the nine schools,
045especially Los Amigos and Santiago for having this award the first time. I went to Los Amigos, so yay Lobos. I also wanted to give thanks to our staff for their hard work the past my past two terms bringing about many projects that benefits our students and accomplish our mission and the three goals that we have set for GGUSD. I think those programs are great, and two of the programs tonight are the student senate and the teacher internship. So, I was very delighted to hear that we have, you know, the two new programs. And also I want to acknowledge the GGEA proposal. Um And I think that's about it, and have a good night. Thank you. Mr. Muneton. Thank you, President Harden. Buckle up everybody. I'm going to get you all on a on a nice
046ride of my comments for this evening. 7:54, we usually been averaging about 8:30, so I'm going to try to get us there, okay? So, buckle on up. I'm going to ask you all a question. Just think this through. You know what day is it today? Think about that. I'll tell you, it's a great day to follow the Garden Grove way. How about that? Trademark it. That's going to be our new slogan. All righty also, it's been busy couple of weeks and days, bunch of events. I won't bore you all I'll list them all out, but I do I'm looking forward to the open houses that will be coming up. Thank you, Jennifer, for setting those up for me. So, I'm excited to swing by some of the schools. Um community events that I attended recently
047was the Orange County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. I was invited there by Supervisor Sarmiento, and you know what I I I realized something while I was there. Let me tell you all something, okay? Being a part of this district makes you the most popular guy wherever it is that you go. I was getting high fives, handshakes, applauses. Everybody knows about what we're doing, so it makes it super easy for me to just waltz right in there and take all the credit, you know? So, in all seriousness, that's just a testament to the to the impeccable work that you all do, all the staff out here all my colleagues here on on the board and and all the frontline workers that are working at each individual school. So, really do appreciate that. It makes my heart
048fill with joy to be able to get those kudos, and people are paying attention. You know, this is all in all seriousness, people are paying attention to the work that we're doing. So, you know, kudos to to that. And after hearing my colleague Dina mention all these other things that we have going on, hey, I'm I'm all for it. Let's keep it going. So, very very beautiful. A community event I want to invite our community to is on Saturday, May May 9th. We only have one board meeting on May. And so, I want to make sure I get this event out there. Hastor Basin Park. There will be a Mother's Day event. It's actually going to be a concert in the park at Hastor Basin Park. And that is on the east side of Garden
049Grove, that's the trustee area that I represent. Right off of Hastor and Lampson, closest to about Warren Elementary School. There's going to be a really great opportunity for our community to come on out, hear a Bota Selena and a Taylor Swift tribute band. So, you got a little bit of both worlds. If you like Taylor, come on down. If you like Selena, come on down. If you like both, even better. Come on down. So, I do want to invite our community to come out. Please put those on the minutes so folks know. Of course, I want to invite my colleagues here on the on the board, our superintendent, our staff. You know, please let the schools know. I'm sure the supervisor is will be working with Lorena to ensure that we have representation out there,
050some tabling, some resources. It's going to be a really great time. We have the We got city folks out there. We're going to have the PD. It's going to be a really great time. And I just a kudos to um Supervisor Sarmiento for continually wanting to partner with our our great East Side Garden Grove community. And then also kudos to Yesenia and Ariana for spearheading this alongside of them. So, it'll be great. So, would love to have everybody there. Lastly, I'll end with May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Um I think in the past three or four years, I brought pins every single year, and I've handed them on out. This year, I'm going to do something a little bit different. I'm not going to hand them out. I'm going to see who's kept their
051pin and is going to wear it on their own accord. And if you wear it, guess what? You are following the Garden Grove way. Thank you. >> [laughter] >> Hard act to follow. Yeah. First, I want to say congratulations to our student senate for paving the way for future student senates and for their passion and their dedication. It was great opportunity for them to acquire leadership skills, and and most importantly to provide us with student voice. And congratulations to our GGUSD distinguished schools for their exemplary performance and progress, and I know their success is due to the collaborative efforts of the principal, the teachers, the rest of the staff, students, and families. So, it's very exciting, and we'll be riding that wave for a while. Um I did attend the Garden Grove City Council meeting
052on the 14th. Um first of all to extend a personal invitation to the mayor, the city council, and Garden Grove residents to attend our GGUSD 60th anniversary. Uh this is my plug and my commercial uh celebration on May 15th at Bolsa Stadium. And also to recognize um something that our our our district values deeply and that is the strong and the enduring partnership that we have with the city of Garden Grove. And um so that was very meaningful, I think, to us and to them and I hope to see them all there and to hope to see everybody else there. Um I could I attended Career Day at Russell Elementary School. Uh this was their second year. I was impressed last year, but I really want to give a shout-out to the admin, the teachers,
053and everybody it took to pull this off. They uh organized an exceptional and well-organized experience for both the presenters and the students. Uh there was a great breakfast for the presenters that included a very warm welcome and an orientation. They prepared these presenters uh ahead of time by giving them a kind of layout of what they their expectation was and sample um things that they could include in their presentations that would engage the kids and that would be important for the kids. But they also prepped the kids by giving them uh some background and information, expectations for how they were supposed to take this all in, listening, taking notes, asking very amazing questions. The kids were just as prepared as the presenters. And so um there 20 presenters there and I was so impressed because
054there was like artists, doctors, law enforcement, engineers, dance instructors, IT specialists, and even an astronomer. Um they engaged the students. I I They could have been teachers. They had visuals, they had handouts, they had activities for the kids to do. And um it was very well executed and uh I I noticed that there are more career um days at our schools this year than last year. So I like the direction this is going. I think it's really going to pay off in the end. Um I attended the JROTC awards at Santiago High School. And uh with Lan, who was also there, and the cadets were recognized for their accomplishments in different areas, academic and community service, leadership, and various competitions they do across the state. Their proud parents were there in attendance and it was
055a very exceptional event that I really enjoyed attending. And it's open house season, as everybody has said. I've already hit uh a few. I was I think I got Alamitos, Carver, Bryant, and Bell. But the one thing that I I noticed over the last couple of years, I love that open house is now become a community event. It used to be go in the room, look at everything, and leave. Now it's it's it's welcoming the families, um entire families, and having food trucks, and having resource tables, uh and uh student performances, community resources, book fairs, as well, of course, as the classroom visits. So it's become uh a really uh awesome experience, I think. Um I attended yesterday the Imagine Imagination Machine Assembly at Garden Park. This is where all the uh TK through sixth
056grade students are challenged to use their imagination and their writing skills to write a story that could be chosen to be acted out by the performers of the Imagination Machine, who come to the school. Um and they choose one at every grade level. So um it's they do it like a short skit, maybe where there's like six, seven stories and they acted out, maybe about 10 to 15 minutes each story, adding a little bit of fun things and humor, but basically it was the child's story. It was entertaining and engaging, not just for the kids, but for the adults, who all enjoyed it very much. And uh the um the K TK through sixth grade kids, the authors, whose stories were chosen, uh got a certificate and got their picture taken with the actors. And
057it was especially meaningful for me because my grandson, Noah, wrote the sixth grade story that got chosen. So anyway, uh we've had a lot of district events, uh honor band, uh I think honor band allows our kids to really um not just perform in in front of so many people, but to display not just their talent, but their passion. For a lot of our kids, this is their connection to school. This is what they This is what keeps them going and their friends in that circle. So and then to me, the arts in general are something that our our district values and everyone knows that. And so that was an amazing thing to attend. We had special games um Friday. Uh and we had CAC awards today. So these were two very special events that
058I think were very exciting um for everyone that was there, whether they was our gen ed, special ed students, parents, um that show that we are really focused on inclusion and um and in recognizing not what our kids can't do, but what they can do. And so I enjoyed those two as well. That's it for me. Okay, Mr. Wen. >> Thank you. Um First of all, I want to congratulate our nine schools for the distinguished award as school uh this year. Um I know many schools celebrate their award, but not many people realize that they are part of the districts that that were recognized for the highest number, not only in number, but also the ratio as well. And to understand the significance of that, we beat out almost everybody in the state, except the
059guys with 14 sites of us. And I'm proud to say we beat out two. So uh so that is very important, I think. That uh speak volume of the dedication of our staff over the year to bring up about that achievement. And and even though we just celebrate the number, we I would like somehow people understand the significant uh is the the dimension of that achievement in in size and in ratio as well. That very important, very press up the numbers uh school and our district have achieved uh that kind of recognition. And also today we witnessed the the inaugural class of the student senate. This is This is something really different. I haven't heard from other districts. I haven't seen that. So I think the inaugural class has a lot of burn to set
060a legacy where they can be truly the voice for our students. And I don't have all of them here, but you, as a messenger and a representative for them, I want to ask if you can relate the the the the combination for me, the best you got for me to respect and the commitment and doing that. And then I look forward to this sort of institution that truly carry out the voice of our students. And this is something different and very impressive that. I could thank you, Dr. Murphy, for taking up that that that that challenge difficult to set up this kind of uh uh mechanism where we can engage our student in the regular conversation about district issue. And also today I'm looking forward to the 60 60th uh anniversary of our school district
061here on May 15th at Bolsa Grande. I'll come back to that uh school there. And also um This May 30th will we will commit the Vietnamese community will commemorate the 50th uh anniversary of Fall Saigon. It's the 50 years, you may uh you may hear a lot people saying the 50 first year, 51st anniversary, because you heard a lot about the 50th anniversary last year, but it's truly 50th uh anniversary this year, because if you do the math correctly, it is the 50th time, not the 51st. If you do the math uh right, uh so I'm looking forward to I mean the the 60th and anniversary of our school district, but uh the Vietnamese community will come along with a 50 years anniversary of of their coming to into the district. For that, I am
062very honored to uh to bring my first teacher from Bolsa Grande to I mean, 60th anniversary of Bolsa again. Uh he was the first teacher that I could really talk to. Uh for the person fresh out of both as myself, he were I because simply he could speak Vietnamese. Yeah, he I he was very honored to excited to invite him to join me in this very special celebration. Uh uh of 60 years of of our district. Back to the Bolsa Grande, back to the same stadium that we were uh sharing there. And then, let's see what he had to say about me. And I'm sure >> [laughter] >> Um also, speaking of that, um um May 23rd here, uh I will attend again the Project Gratitude from Murdy Elementary. Um I said it many time.
063Uh I want to say it again. Uh this is the best demonstration of uh learning integration uh uh using the curriculum uh and combined with a practical experience. And and I'm impressed at the the the innovation that the teacher here at Murdy put together this project. This I think what will be the the the class is a year-long class at Murdy, but it's it's quite an eye-opening experience for every every class uh of the students who go to uh uh this class. It's the curriculum and the project here at Murdy. And with that, I mean, this is I I have seen many innovative program we have in the district, but this is one of the best that I can see where I can I know that the the teacher we together uh the curriculum they
064have on hand from the state, and also put it together in terms of a practical uh learning experience for not only for students, but also for their parents. Uh also, the their uh lifelong uh remembering of of what they learn in their at least in their primary school career. And with that, I conclude my statement. Thank you. So, it's been a it's been busy since the last time we were here. Um I had a chance to go out and brag about the distinguished schools uh and about ECA. Uh I was invited by the Chamber of Commerce to come and be the opening act for Dr. Bean, the county superintendent of public instruction. And And if you've heard him speak, and you've heard me speak, you know why I phrase it that way. Um he has
065an incredibly inspirational story. The story of his life, it's just it's it's amazing. Um and it was just it was a privilege to be there with him and to have a chance to brag a little bit on the district. And I can tell you the thing that the the chamber people were really impressed about was not the distinguished schools, it was ECA. Uh the one that that that got heads to turn. Uh when I told them there are 58 students in ECA at Los Amigos, 57 of them are graduating with a high school diploma and an Associate of Arts degree uh next month. ECA, by the way, for people watching is Early College Academy. It's partnership at uh Los Amigos with Golden West College where students are taught college level content uh in some of
066their classes and then receive dual credit for high school and college. So, 58 students, 57 of them are graduating with an AA degree. One student is three units short because he chose to take an elective course that was he thought was more valuable to him. And oh well, I'll get to college with 57 units instead of 60 units. Um But But what that means is those students can complete college four-year university in two years. I believe we're in the process of producing some video with with one of those students who has an incredibly compelling story. And um so so keep an eye on this space cuz it's it's it's truly amazing if you stop and think about it. That pro- program is also at Santiago. Uh and uh hopefully we'll be expanding. Oh, and it'll
067be at Bolsa in the fall. Uh so that was it was pretty cool to be able to talk about that cuz it's something it was a long time to put that together. Um Kelly did an amazing job um getting that started and everybody involved, Stephanie, everybody on your team that's been involved and part of that, Dr. Moffitt. It's just uh it's amazing. Uh I've been in some of those classrooms. Um it's pretty impressive. Um I've I've made the rounds doing the things we do this time of year. I got to watch um this little girl named Esme Muneton do a Bollywood dance uh at uh at Monroe uh at at their International Night, which is an amazing event. I mean, I uh somebody stole my parking spot. I wound up parking halfway to Santa Ana
068uh because of the because of the turnout. It was it's incredible. Uh it's it's the most attended event I think I've ever seen in our district. Um won't be as well as attended as the one on May 15th at Bolsa Grande High School. We all want to put in plugs for. Um If I If I may just add one thing, the staff gave uh Bob a very good segue for being just a little partially late. They They said, "Trust Esme Muneton here in the audience, and President uh Bob Harden is very busily supporting our school by purchasing tamales and tacos." So, that was a good one. Kudos to Muneton for >> If you're not careful this time of year doing this job, you can put on weight. Um there are a couple of ladies at
069uh Los Amigos, Fitz and Russell, who are not happy unless I'm eating. >> [laughter] >> And uh so, it's three different open houses where I get fed too much food. Um Los was great. And it's good to see the just all of the the the performing arts kids have an a chance to showcase their talents again. Um I've been able to attend the Superintendent's Student Advisories at La Quinta and Los Amigos. Um sharp groups groups of kids with some interesting thoughts about things that could be done um to improve life on their campuses. Um call out to Darla. Um Darla uh she did so well today. Um and I told her so after the meeting. Uh she was one of our student senators here um who surveyed the students at Los Amigos. And um you
070know, it was great. Uh same with Caleb, too, in the last meeting and what he did. Uh who was our student senator from from La Quinta. You can tell how much I called them out at the meeting tonight when they were here. Um so uh Special Games was special. Um there's there's a there's a reason they're called Special Games. Um there was a must have been a lot of dust in the air that day. Um you know, and you know, it's it you get watery eyes occasionally watching some of these kids um to see just the pure joy of a of a kid accomplishing something so simple um that they're doing. And one thing stood one piece stood out to me, and it was in the first race. There was a there were two students.
071Um well, there were about eight students, but there were two, one who was keeping an eye on the other, who made sure that she didn't get ahead of her friend so that they would cross the finish line together. Um Now, that was the one that was one of those moments for me. Uh and then we had the CAC awards this afternoon. That's that's full of those kind of moments, too. So, anyway, it's it's it's been a good couple of weeks since the last time we were together. Uh I think I have things on my calendar every day and every night for the next 2 weeks. Um so, there will probably be a lot to talk about when we come back here together on May 5th. Um we'll have a study session on benefits at 5:00
072p.m. that day followed by the the regular board meeting here at 7:00. And then on our our next meeting beyond that is June 2nd, 5:00 p.m. Uh closed session and study sessions on El Cap and facilities. Uh and with that, and then the regular board meeting here at 7:00 that evening with that.