001Okay, we're off. Okay. All right. I'd like to call the meeting to order uh and as we always do, we want to begin with the pledge of the flag uh led by our student representative Christie Ginnett. 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. I'd like to begin this evening with uh some special presentations. I will call up first uh Dr. Lorena Sanchez, assistant superintendent K-12 education services. Good evening, President Harden, members of the board, Superintendent Mafi, staff, and guests, which have many. On Saturday, March 7th, we celebrated the 48th annual First Impressions Student Art Exhibit. Two award ceremonies were held
002at the Garden Grove Community Center, one for the pre-K through sixth grade, and one for the seventh through 12th grade. Over 1,000 students, parents, and family uh members attended these ceremonies where we celebrated artists of all grade levels in our district. Over 600 pieces of student artwork were on display at the Courtyard Center representing the multiple visual art mediums taught in the Garden Grove Unified School District, including but not limited to drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture, photography, and digital art, and much, much more, cuz I was there. And there was a beautiful display. As part of our ongoing partnership with the City of Garden Grove, large prints of select artwork were also on display at the Village Green Park in the immediate weeks before and after the exhibit, celebrating the work of our student artists and
003highlighting it to our community. The flourishing visual and performing arts programs in the Garden Grove Unified School District not only help our students, you know what's coming, everything's tied to our goals, so it helps to accomplish the academic aspects of goal number one, which focuses on academics, but they also address goal number two, helping to develop student motivation and the personal skills necessary to achieve goal number three, which is lifelong success. Now, Stacy Harris, our coordinator of visual and performing arts, will introduce staff and students who played an important role in our 48th annual First Impressions Art Exhibit. Stacy. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Dr. Sanchez. Good evening, members of our board, Dr. Mafi, and guests. Before we present a few of our students to you that were featured in the exhibit last month, I
004would like to start by introducing Matt Franklin. Matt is the teacher on special assignment in the visual and performing arts office and was responsible for coordinating the entire art exhibit from start to finish, from the journeying of the artwork, all the way through to the design and the installation of the gallery. Matt had great support from a number of people, including the Don Wash Auditorium staff and a large number of our art teachers across the district that volunteered their time to help in this process. I would like to say a big thank you to Matthew Franklin for his work on this year's exhibit. >> [applause] [applause] >> In addition, I also want to recognize a wonderful community member that we have, John Nguyen with Final Arts. All artists represented in First Impressions receive a custom
005ribbon each year, and the award winners that you will meet tonight also received a custom plaque. We work with John and his team at Final Arts in order to supply these wonderful tokens to our students each year. This year, John graciously offered to donate a piece of memorabilia for our students that are here tonight. I'll show a sample. He has uh had each of their winning pieces printed on a mug for them to keep as an additional reminder of their recognition. It also has the date of the art show uh as recognition in this year uh for their work in this year's show and their outstanding work that they have done. I'd like to thank John for his continued support of our art programs in GGUSD. >> [applause] >> Each year, students in grades pre-K
006through 12 submit artwork to be juried for First Impressions. Tonight, I'm proud to be here to present to you several students who were chosen for special recognition for our 48th annual art exhibit, and I'll ask at this time that our students come and line up with Mr. Franklin over on this side of the room. And we can bring up first um just right up to the front, Rogue Marquez. If you want to start making your way up to the front. The first student I'm presenting tonight is the cover artist for First Impressions, Rogue Marquez. >> [applause] >> All right, this slideshow, there we go. We got it working. Yep, there you go. Thank you. Rogue's artwork entitled Uranium was chosen for the cover artwork for the programs and the posters for this year's art exhibit.
007Rogue is in Rogue is in 10th grade and attends Garden Grove High School. The art instructor is Stephanie McManus and the principal at Garden Grove High School is Mary Jane Hibbard. In Rogue's artist statement, she mentions studying abstract expressionism in class. She enjoyed using the palette knife to create a visually energetic and eagerly chaotic scene, seeming to pop out in the face of the viewer. Rogue excelled with this newly learned art technique and has made a bold statement on both our program cover and our posters for this year's exhibit. Congratulations, Rogue. >> [applause] >> The next student I'm presenting tonight is Emily Morales Arroyo. Come on up, please. >> [cheering and applause] >> Emily entered her artwork in the district contest to to design this year's State of the District program cover, and her piece
008entitled uh her piece is entitled A Bright Future. Emily is in the 12th grade and attends La Quinta High School. Her teacher is Gina Zom and the principal at La Quinta is Denise Kirkman. >> [applause] >> Students were asked to submit work that celebrates our district's 60th anniversary. In her artist statement, Emily said she created gold balloons with a with a diploma attached. This symbolizes the success the district has had over the years. The earth and the student's cap and gown represent the work put into school. The stars are milestones throughout their school years, and the student is headed toward the sun, which symbolizes her bright future. Emily created this artwork using acrylic paint. The skill she demonstrated painting the realistic Mylar balloon especially is outstanding. Congratulations, Emily. >> [applause] [applause] >> The next student
009artist that will recognize tonight is the President of the School Board Award winner, Chloe Hong. Chloe, please come on up. >> [applause] >> Chloe is in the first grade and attends Sunnyside Elementary School. Her teacher is Adriana Valverde and the principal at Sunnyside is Marcy Griffith. >> [applause] >> Chloe's artwork is entitled Spots and was created using watercolor paints. In her artist statement, Chloe was very succinct by staying by saying, "I like giraffes because they are tall. I chose the colors because I like rainbow colors and I like to paint." Every year, there are a small number of pieces that garner a lot of attention. This year, Chloe's piece took that spot. A significant number of people, including myself and some others in this room, have indicated that they want this piece hanging up in
010their office. >> [laughter] >> It exudes joy and definitely was a favorite this year. Congratulations, Chloe. >> [applause] [applause] >> Our next student artist to recognize is the recipient of our pre-K through six Best in Show, Jayden Hong. Jayden, please come on up. >> [applause] >> Jayden is in the sixth grade and attends Allen Elementary School. His teacher is Megan Ferris and the principal at Allen is Jamie Wells. >> [applause] >> Jayden's artwork is entitled Ghosts in the Graveyard. Jayden's inspiration was from The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh and The Scream by Edvard Munch. This composition explores the recognizable visual energy of both artists while creating a unique interpretation. Through the use of small streaks of color inspired by van Gogh's technique, Jayden recreated the swirling movement and atmosphere seen in Starry Night. The
011detail accomplished with oil pastels in particular is far beyond his years and is why this piece stood out to our judges. Congratulations, Jayden. >> [applause] >> Our next student artist to be recognized tonight is the recipient of our Mayor's Award, Francesca Santa Maria. >> [applause] >> Francesca's in the 11th grade and attends La Quinta High School. Her art teacher is Annie Ta and the principal of La Quinta is Denise Kirkman. >> [applause] >> Francesca's artwork is entitled Unsent and was created using acrylic paint. According to her artist statement, this piece explores the quiet emotional space between what we feel and what we say. Inspired by impressionism, Francesca used layered acrylic brush strokes, cool blues, warm highlights, and subtle metallic shimmer to create an atmosphere of reflection rather than precise detail. Through this work, the artist
012invites viewers to pause and consider the unspoken thoughts, memories, and emotions we all carry. Congratulations, Francesca. >> [applause] >> Our next student artist we're recognizing tonight is the recipient of our Superintendent's Award, Honey Castro. >> [applause] >> Honey is in the 10th grade and attends Santiago High School. Her art teacher is William Okura and the principal at Santiago is Christine Pile. >> [applause] >> Honey's drawing is entitled Decisive and was created using charcoal. This self-portrait focuses on tonal value. Honey wanted to freeze a moment in time of what it was like to be me in high school. She noted that she spent many days sketching her own features in free form without the aid of grating or tracing and working with the shading to get her features and proportions just right. Her ability to capture
013expression as well as her technique in monochromatic value made this artwork stand out to our judges. Congratulations, Honey. >> [applause] >> Our next student artist to be recognized tonight is the winner of our 7-8 Best in Show Award, Lauren Tran. Lauren, please come on up. >> [applause] >> Lauren is in the eighth grade and attends McGarvin Intermediate School. The art teacher at McGarvin is Brian Bixby and the principal is Bill Gates. >> [applause] >> Lauren's artwork is entitled GUSD Lunar New Year. Her artwork was created using colored pencil and acrylic markers. Her inspiration comes from her Vietnamese heritage and the celebration of Lunar New Year at McGarvin Intermediate. These moments strengthen her connection between culture and community and this piece represents cultural identity, pride, and gratitude. Lauren credits her uncle Leon, whose constant support shaped
014her artistic journey. Her attention to detail and artistic skill has contributed to winning a First Impressions Special Award for the last 3 years in a row. We look forward to seeing her accomplishments as she enters high school. Congratulations, Lauren. >> [applause] [applause] >> Our final student artist we're recognizing tonight is the recipient of our 9-12 Best in Show Award, Ariana Orozco. >> [applause] >> Ariana's in the 12th grade and attends Los Amigos High School. Her art instructor is Emily Mondragon and the principal of Los Amigos is Todd Nirk. >> [applause] >> Her artwork is entitled Dandelion and was created using acrylic paint. Ariana stepped outside her comfort zone by experimenting with the impressionist-inspired acrylic self-portrait influenced by Pierre Renoir. Rather than focusing on fine detail, Ariana used loose brush strokes to capture movement, shifting light,
015and subtle colors often overlooked like sunlight through hair and blue tones within the skin. Through this process, Ariana embraced experimentation and adapted to the fast-drying nature of acrylic paint to create a vibrant and expressive portrait. This piece stood out to all of our judges for its exceptional overall quality. Congratulations, Ariana. >> [applause] >> I would like to thank the board for your continued support of our visual and performing arts programs and for having us here tonight to celebrate these exceptional students and our and our 48th annual First Impressions Student Art Exhibit. Thank you very much. >> [applause] >> Okay. So, we'll do photos in the reverse order and we'll leave we'll leave the photos um on the screen. So, we're going to start with then do we just have Ariana up here? Ariana and her
016family, teacher, friends that want to come to take photos, come on up. So, we're missing a principal. Mr. Nirk, there we go. All right, let's Congratulations, Ariana. Let's bring up Rogue and her family, friends, students, teachers, principal, Rogue Marquez, come on up. I just skipped I just I just followed not my own rule. This is Rogue, right? There we go. Okay, I went back to the front. Congratulations, Rogue. >> [applause] >> We'll bring up Emily Morales Arroyo next. And And artists and families, don't forget wait just a little longer and we'll have your mugs for you downstairs. So, we got Emily and Gina and Denise. Where's Gina? Where's Gina? [clears throat] There's Gina. Okay, we did Rogue's. >> [laughter] >> Congratulations, Emily. We'll bring up Chloe Hong next and her family, teacher, principal. Chloe? Congratulations,
017Chloe. We'll bring up Jayden Hong next. Jayden, come on up. Yes, I haven't done it yet. I went back to the beginning. Are we still doing it? Yeah, I'm still doing it. Congratulations, Jayden. >> [applause] >> We'll bring up Francesca, family, teacher, principal next. This is right? Yep. Congratulations, Francesca. >> [applause] >> We'll bring up Honey next and and Honey's entourage. I'm going to drop my purse, right? Mhm. If you don't mind. Sure. >> Congratulations, Amy. >> [applause] >> And we'll bring up Lauren. Um our last one coming up is Lauren and her group. I never change the piece. Congratulations, Lauren. I forgot to change the piece. Is the artwork in the photo? Okay, good. Cuz I didn't change that. I think that's it. Did we get everyone? Get everyone? Good. Thank you so much.
018All right. I know I know that uh students and families would all like to stay with us for the rest of the evening. Or if not, um this would be a good time to sneak out. We're going to break for just a couple of minutes. Uh with we assume that most of you have places to be and things to do. So, our students and site staff that are here with your students, thank you for coming and we're going to give you an opportunity to leave. Uh we texted. Oh my god, I was supposed to call him tonight. You just reminded me. But, I'm going to be here, so and he's going on vacation, but we're going to probably connect after. Yeah, we texted back and forth like Finally yesterday. It's been really busy. I've been
019busy. Okay. Okay, let's call the meeting back to order. Uh up next on the agenda is uh Jason Bevacqua, our assistant superintendent of personnel services with our April employees of the month. Great. Good evening, Board President Harden, Board of Education Trustees, Dr. Mafi, staff, and community. Um I am pleased to recognize our April employees of the month. As you know, our district is filled with amazing employees, but these two definitely stand out. GGUSD's Employee of the Month program is designed to recognize employees who put others first, go above and beyond to make a difference in their role, carry out each day with a positive attitude and strong work ethic, and demonstrate innovation, leadership, and passion for their job. And these two definitely stand out with all of that. Our uh teacher or certificated employee of
020the month is Robin Leong, teacher at Crosby. >> [applause] [applause] >> Robin began her journey with the district in 1991 as an instructional assistant, and in 1996, she was hired as a classroom teacher at Crosby. She taught first and second grade until 2001, when she transitioned to upper elementary, where she has inspired fifth and sixth grade students ever since. Robin was nominated for this recognition by a student who said she is an amazing teacher who explains lessons in a way that students understand and demonstrates care, patience, and compassion to all of her students. Her Her students shared that she is always finding new ways to make lessons fun for them. Known for her strong instructional practices and unwavering commitment to student success, Robin works tirelessly to support all learners and help them reach their fullest
021potential. Over the past three decades, she has built a legacy of excellence at Crosby, leaving a profound and lasting impression on the generations of students. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Our classified employee of the month is Regina Emrich. She's an instructional assistant at Jordan uh instructional assistant two, excuse me, at Jordan. Yes. >> [applause] >> Um she goes by Gina and she she's was unable to attend tonight, but is represented tonight by her principal, Nick Clark. I believe Nick is there. >> [applause] >> Uh Gina serves as an instructional assistant two, as I mentioned, supporting special education students at Jordan. Uh a role that she has held since 2022. Gina joined the district in 2003 as an instructional aide one and also served as a noon duty supervisor from 2005 to 2016. Gina was nominated
022for this recognition by staff in appreciation of the many ways she goes above and beyond for students. In addition to her work in the classroom, she plays a vital role in overseeing the school's math academy program, where she works with small groups of students to strengthen foundational skills and build confidence for success in math seven. She also manages the school library, providing extended hours to students with a safe, welcoming space to study. But, what stands out the most is how Gina builds a strong relationships with students, creating an environment where students feel supported, capable, and motivated. Gina has been uh making a difference for students and the school community at Jordan for many years now. Congratulations to both Robin and Gina. We have to yell a lot for Gina to hear us. Demonstrating the Garden
023Grove way. >> [applause] >> Excuse me. We'll now show a quick video spotlighting the great things that these two exemplary employees do, and you can see them in action. After that, we'll take some photos with the board. Thank you. I just want to say [music] thank you so much for this honor. I am truly um touched and uh I appreciate it so much that you would recognize [music] me for this. Um I've been teaching in Garden Grove for 30 years, and I still feel excited every morning to get up and come [music] to school and see my kids' smiling faces and um to learn with them as much as I'm teaching them, hopefully. Um when I was [music] a kid, school was my safe place, and so I love being able to come to school
024and and do that for others as well. Every year, I start with reading them a book called The Phantom Tollbooth, and in there there's [music] a line that says, "Every time you learn something, the world becomes that much richer." And so, that's why I teach. I want to make the world a little bit richer, and they've [music] made my life richer as well. So, that's why I do what I do. Congratulations, Ms. Leong, for being Employee of the Month. Uh thank [music] you for helping me in math. Thank you for being respectful to everyone in the class, treating everyone well. When we're struggling, she's helps us, and she comes to us and tells [music] us if we're okay. Tells us, "You got this. You can do this. You great [music] job." and stuff like that.
025I look forward to coming to school every day because of Ms. Leong. When I go to intermediate school, I know I'm going to miss having a teacher like [music] Ms. Leong. Congratulations, Ms. Leong, for receiving Employee of the Month. I think Ms. Leong is like a great [music] teacher because she's patient with everyone, and she makes sure everyone knows what they're doing, [music] and she's just like very kind and compassionate. In math, like usually where like most people need help, like we'll like do a little practice like after we had just learned [music] the lesson, and if there's like someone who needs extra help, like she'll take them aside and like she'll help [music] like work out the problems with them, which I think is really nice of her to do. I think I'm going
026to be a better [music] success in school cuz of Ms. Leong. Congratulations, Ms. Leong. >> [music] >> It's been such an honor to be in your class. After hearing all those good things from my uncle and aunt, it's really true about all the good things they said about you, and thank thank [music] you for helping me reach my limits and congratulations again. Thank you for [music] recognizing me. I am very humbly appreciative. I love working with kids every [music] day. I have a son who reminds me very much of [music] all the kids. So, I instantaneously love them all. And so, I want them to do the best they can. Um I have [music] incredible co-workers, too, who inspire me all the time to do the best. I've worked with teachers for 10 [music] years
027plus sometimes, and it's very motivational when you see hard-working people doing their best. Congratulations, Gina. I can't think of a better person [music] that deserves to be Employee of the Month than you. I want to say thank you for all that you've done for our students, [music] especially with the library and Math Academy. And one of the things, Gina, that stands out to me that I think about that encapsulates you for this award [music] is at the end of last year, you thanked me for allowing you to be a teacher. Gina, you've always been a teacher to our students, our students with different needs, and thank you for always providing them a safe space to learn. [music] Congratulations, Gina, on being recognized as Employee of the Month. Gina and I have worked together for 10
028years at Jordan, [music] and this is such an honorable mention for her because she is one of the most dedicated, hard-working, [music] and helpful individuals I've ever met. She goes beyond her duties as a paraeducator. [music] She is also a librarian. She's a teacher. And above all, she's a champion for students at [music] Jordan. Some of the things that I love about her is that she bakes the best brownies, and she also [music] encourages me and brightens my day with her positive words. She has such a huge heart for [music] others. And lastly, she has helped shape me to be the educator [music] I am today, and I am forever grateful to her for that. >> [applause] [laughter] [applause] >> Again, folks, feel free to slide out. >> [applause] >> Okay, before we go to
029public comments, can you please call the roll? Student Trustee Christy Gettechu? Here. Thank you. Trustee Dina Winn? Here. Trustee Walter Muneton? Here. Trustee Terry Rocco? Here. Trustee Lan Winn? Here. Chairperson Bob Harden? Here. Okay, next item on the agenda is public comments. We have several this evening. Just a re- Just a reminder, um you have 3 minutes. The clock on the wall will start um when you begin. So, first up is Charlene Quair. Good evening. Hello, President Harden, Board Trustees, Dr. Mafi, Nishi, and our Garden Grove Educators Association. All our Trustees, hi everybody. I'm Charlene Quair. I am a dedicated parent in Trustee Area 2 with three students from in Garden Grove High School to Stanley Elementary School. Go Argos. Today, I represent I don't represent any other organizations or associations. Tonight, I'm a proud
030GGUSD parent and want to share my experiences with First Impressions Art. I first want to say congratulations to all of the award recipients and the talent artists that were on display this evening. I uh I had the pleasure of accompanying Mrs. Cabrera's third grade class on a walking field trip from Stanley to the community center there in at the park. And I also at this point want to say thank you to our Garden Grove Police Department who was so amazing in giving us a great escort. It was The children were so excited to have all of It was like a parade. We were walking down, the police department is there, they're waving, high fives. It was so much fun. Along with the walking field trip to the community center, when we arrived, we saw Mr.
031I'm sorry. The TOSA um Thank you, Mr. Franklin. And I have to say experiencing that exhibit as a parent, I and together with all the third graders there, and they were like, "Look at this, and look at that, and how incredible this is, and wow." And there was uh some students from Stanley that had their um their work being shown there, and I just was just overwhelmed by pride and by how exciting it is that our school district has 100% um visual arts programs in all of our schools, and what that impact for having art education and appreciation now and for the rest of their lives. How important it is that they're always going to remember that moment, and also appreciate art and um know that it's the part of our lives to express oneself
032and to appreciate showing that. Um I'm very thankful for our VAPA program and showing the artwork with such professionalism and respect for our young artists. I was definitely walked out of there floored um with the talent. Most importantly, I left knowing that our students um were participating in art programs and how enriching it is for all of our students and all of our schools. So, thank you so much, GGUSD, for continuing to support our art in our schools. Thank you so much. >> [applause] >> Next up is Sarah Held. >> [applause] >> Good evening, President Harden, Dr. Mafi, and members of the Board. Thank you for this opportunity to speak tonight. My name is Sarah Held, and I am the GGEA President. I am here to address the staffing of TK K kindergarten combination classes
033for the 2026-2027 school year. In a few minutes, you will hear about transitional kindergarten and kindergarten and how they have distinct curricula, standards, and expectations. We have also learned that we will learn that GGUSD is quite not yet prepared to provide meaning meaningful, targeted professional development for teachers assigned to these classrooms. In addition, we have some serious concerns about the level of support needed to effectively serve these students. Tonight, I would like to highlight some additional concerns. First, the developmental range in a TK K combination class can span up to two years. While that difference may seem minimal in upper grades, it is significant at this early stage. TK students are just beginning to develop independence. They are learning to follow one to two-step directions, developing self-help skills, and beginning to understand cause and effect
034and social interactions, like taking turns. In contrast, kindergarten students demonstrate greater independence, coordinate, and more advanced thinking skills. Meeting the needs of such a wide developmental range within a single classroom presents a significant challenge. Second, classroom structure and management present another concern. TK is a play-based program, where learning occurs through exploration, language, and movement. This type of learning is active and noisy. Kindergarten, however, requires more structured, standards-based instruction, where students are expected to attend a task and engage in focused learning. These two instructional models are fundamentally different. Imagine trying to conduct a board meeting while a play-based classroom is actively happening right here in the front of the room. Managing both environments simultaneously would be incredibly difficult, and that is the reality of being asked of our teachers here tonight. Our request today is that
035GGUSD reconsider the implementation of TK K kindergarten combination classes. Our students deserve the strongest possible start to their educational journey, and we as teachers are committed to providing that. Bless you. Let's ensure we are setting both our students and educators up for success. Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Okay, I'm going to apologize in advance if I get the name wrong here. Kathleen Barbado? Oh. >> [applause] >> Thank you. No one has got that right. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Kathleen Barbado, and I am a transitional kindergarten teacher in the district. And I'm here to urge the board to reconsider the use of TK kindergarten combination classes, and also to utilize the additional funding that our district receives just for TK, over $5,000 per TK pupil in addition to our LCFF funding,
036to instead form straight uh straight kindergarten classes, not combos. So, let's begin with the difference between kindergarten and TK, because understanding this difference is important to understand why combining these classes is a problem. Now, transitional kindergarten is guided by the preschool and transitional kindergarten learning foundations, another acronym for you, which are designed for younger children ages 3 to 5. These foundations reflect attention to the whole child and focus on how children learn, not just what they learn. According to the foundations themselves, learning occurs simultaneously across domains and within joyful and meaningful education experiences. Now, instruction in TK is play-based, hands-on, and exploratory, and children learn through movement, social interaction, storytelling, and guided play. And the goal is to build critical developmental skills at an age-appropriate pace. Now, kindergarten, in contrast, is guided by California's academic
037content standards. These standards describe what students should know and be able to do in each subject in each grade. So, instruction is more structure, teacher directed. Students are expected to begin reading, writing complete thoughts, and learning foundational math concepts, and lessons require longer attention spans, the ability to follow multi-step directions, and increased independence. The are These are fundamentally different approaches to learning designed for different stages of brain development. Now, in fact, in 2017, the state of California made its intent clear. Quote, transitional kindergarten and kindergarten are meant to provide separate and unique learning experiences because they serve different developmental needs. This was written when all of our TK students would turn five. So, this is even important more important now that our TKs are even younger. They're four, and because of August start date, we
038get a handful of three-year-olds starting TK. This decision to create TK K combos may help address some classroom space or enrollment challenges, but combining that play-based and developmental TK program with a structured and academic kinder program is not effective or developmentally appropriate for our students. I am concerned that so many of our schools are projected to have these TK K combos, especially since we were given reassurances that with the class size increase to allow 24 TKs in the class next year, that TK K combos would be avoided at all costs. So again, I urge the board to eliminate the use of these combos. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Next up is Janette Dabert. >> [applause] >> Good evening, President Harden, Dr. Mafi, and members of the board. Um thank you for the opportunity to speak
039tonight, and thank you for smiling, cuz it's like My name is Janette Dabert. I am a TK teacher at Hazard um elementary. I'm currently in my 36th year of teaching, the last 13 in TK. And I'm homegrown. I'm here to speak of the projected TK K combos for the '26-'27 school year. I'm here tonight advocating for GGUSD to reconsider creating TK K combos. GGUSD, that's a very difficult thing to say, currently does not provide targeted professional development for transitional kindergarten kindergarten combination classes. While the summer institute offers academies for nearly every grade level configuration, TK K teachers are notably excluded. >> [snorts] >> The gap This gap raises a critical question. Where is the district support for educators navigating the unique develop developmental, instructional, and compliance demands of these blended classrooms? TK K teachers deserve
040meaningful, relevant training aligned to their students' needs. Without it, both educators and students are left un underserved. It is essential that GGUSD address this oversight and ensure equitable professional development opportunities for all grade configurations. GGUSD must provide additional proactive support for transitional kindergarten kindergarten combination classes. These classes will include students transitioning from full-day special education preschool into fully inclusive general education settings, often with minimal support. Now, I lost my place. This shift requires intentional planning, staffing, and training to ensure student success and maintain safe, effective learning environments. Will the district be prepared to provide additional IBI support and a third adult when classes exceed the 20 threshold um 20 student threshold? Without clear commitments and resources, both students and educators are at risk of being under underserved. GGUSD must prioritize adequate support to meet the
041diverse needs of all learners in these classrooms. I am asking the board to reconsider TK K combos for the upcoming '26-'27 school year. Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] >> Uh Grace Carmona. Good evening, everyone. My name is Grace Carmona, and I'm back here once again to ask for your support in finding a resolution to making up for the many days of lost instructional time for my daughter's kinder classroom at Monroe Elementary Language Academy. 23 of the 24 students in our kinder our kinder students in our class were evacuated multiple times over 7 months whenever the teacher deemed it necessary to escape from a hostile and or severely dangerous environment. By multiple times, I mean up to three times per day, three days in the same week over a span of 7 months. You do
042the math. How many minutes, hours, days, or weeks worth of learning have these young students been robbed of so far? When I asked Monroe to provide the dates, times, and reasons for my child being pulled out of class, I received an email stating that, "Quotes, the class evacuated 16 times. Unquotes. 16. How many of you here remember being evacuated from your classrooms during elementary grades due to sudden imminent danger? Most of us here should count zero, right? Well, unfortunately for the students in a kinder class at Monroe, they have had to deal with high levels of stress and anxiety, along with constant fear and the loss of trust in the adults in their classroom. These students and their families have not been offered any options or plans for the lost instructional time to be made
043up. What can this board here of educators do to bring solution plans to the young scholars at Monroe before this school year ends? We have 6 weeks left. Please help. Thank [applause] you. Jasmine Sandoval Hello. Good evening. I am Jasmine Sandoval. Uh Housekeeping note, I've got two munchkins out there. I'm assuming this is a safe space and if anyone hears anything terrible, um you'll flag me down and I'll end comments immediately, but um I would also like that to be a testament to how important I thought it was to be here tonight. That and my husband works nights. I have a 3-year-old. I have a 6-year-old. I have um no opportunity to have a babysitter, but I did want to be here um to support Grace and the other parents um of this kindergarten class
044as well as the larger um GGUSD community. So, um I'm here today because I'm concerned about the safety and learning environment for this kindergarten classroom. Um for those of you who are hearing this issue for the first time, there is a student that has been extremely disruptive and the outbursts have become violent and the only solution the school has given is to evacuate the students anytime this issue comes up. Um while I understand and respect that every child deserves access to education, no child should be placed in an environment where their safety or ability to learn is compromised. Kindergarten is a critical school stage where students should be learning foundational academic skills, emotional security, and a love for school. Instead, these students are experiencing fear, interruptions, and instability in their classroom. Let me be clear,
045this is not about excluding any student or child. It's about ensuring that all students, including the student in question, are placed in an environment where they can exceed sent where they can succeed. Um when a child's needs exceed what a classroom can safely support, it is the responsibility of the district to provide appropriate resources, staffing, and alternative placement if needed. Right now, it feels like the burden of that is being is being dropped on the 5- and 6-year-olds of the classroom who cannot advocate for themselves. Additionally, this issue should matter to every member of our school community, not just the parents of this classroom, because it reflects how our district upholds safety, equity, and effective learning for all students. The actions or inaction in handling this matter will create ripples. When classrooms are not adequately
046supported, it impacts learning across grade levels, teacher retention, and sets a precedent that safety concerns can be overlooked. I'm asking the district to take immediate meaningful action to ensure physical safety of all students and staff, provide adequate support, evaluate appropriate placements, and communicate transparently with families about how these situations are being handled. I urge you to act with urgency before a serious incident occurs. >> [applause and cheering] >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Nicole Heimes All right. Well, I'm going to kind of change what I want to say. Um real quick, so um I'm here as a parent and I went as a parent to um poker. It was really fun. Uh none of you went or participated, but either way, Kiwanis of Garden Grove raised $2,000 and funded four grants for teachers, which is
047absolutely awesome. And so, >> [applause] >> after um kind of listening to what's going on and like is this viewable? Oh, it is. Um and I guess Monroe, I'm going to touch some on special education because at um last meeting, you guys voted on CAC to bring it closer to the educational code. But actually, what's going on in CAC at the meetings is that um we had a bylaws committee and we worked on making bylaws that were maybe you need some coffee or falling asleep on. I'm sorry, I'm so boring. But um on how to make it, you know, equitable and avoid any like one-sided and have really a group where we can help parents and advocate and then most importantly, address the Board of Education because through you, you guys double-check with the CEO
048to make sure our problems are met, which isn't happening. So, instead, the CAC has said that they work with administration and administration is the same people we have the problems with our IEPs. And you guys voted that um the parent participation portion actually decreased and consolidated to um the chair, the vice chair, and the secretary. So, you actually kind of stripped some power away from parents, which is really ironic considering what two of you wrote about here. And then somebody else, you know, we have others constantly talking about ICE. But then, what are you guys doing to really support the community as a whole that is not in your little target areas? That's where it shows up. And I've also heard from some of you, too, that well, what we see in special education happens
049everywhere, and I know it happens everywhere based off of my job. I've worked throughout California. But that's incredibly lazy because if you have a problem and you're responsible for trying to find solutions to the problems in your trustee area and you guys vote you know, just rubber-stamp everything, then why why are you here? That's the bigger question. It doesn't matter that oh, well, I'm just one person. Well, use your end of meeting comment time to say, I would like a follow-up on this. I would like a presentation on this. Don't just like list, right? If you if you need to go to the senior center, go to the senior center for some hobbies. Going to school events, that's not a hobby. Use your time productively so we can fix what's going on for special education
050so everyone benefits. Thank you. Thank [applause] you. Next up, Josh Peacock. Good evening, board members and Dr. Murphy, district leadership. Thank you for the opportunity to be here tonight and for the work being done across the district to support student success. I also want to acknowledge the families watching because this conversation affects more than just one group of students. I want to speak about a group of students whose success is not often visible or our nonverbal and minimally verbal students. Recently, I sat at a district event celebrating so many incredible student outcomes. I couldn't help but notice that students like my son were not part of the story. And that's hard because I know what he's capable of. And I know that we're not alone. At a recent CAC meeting, and I'm the vice chair,
051um another parent shared that their nonverbal child is still struggling to get consistent access to communication support. We all believe that every child has potential. But our responsibility is not just to believe that, it's to build systems that allow students to demonstrate it. If a child cannot speak, that does not mean they cannot understand. But without consistent access to communication, they are at risk to being excluded. Not only from recognition, but from instruction itself. Uh communication is not an added support. Communication is access. And access is education. With the exception of early with with the expansion of early learning, including TK, we have a critical window to establish communication pathways early through AAC, visual supports, and trained staff who know how to model and support communication consistently. Before we determine that a student cannot access
052learning, we must ensure that they have been given a reliable way to communicate. I believe there is an opportunity for our district to lead in this area by developing a communication access initiative focused on nonverbal students. Aligned with the priorities of the California Department of Education and positioning the district for recognition through programs like the California School Boards Association Golden Bell Awards. Many, if not all of you, know me from my volunteer work in CAC and PTA. And I would welcome the opportunity to partner with the district to explore this work further. Our children do not lack ability, they lack access. And when we give them a way to communicate, we don't just change their outcomes, we strengthen our entire community. Let's ensure early support opens doors and does not close them. Thanks. THANK YOU,
053[applause] JOSH. FINALLY, NICHOLAS DIBBS. UH BOARD MEMBERS, DR. MAFI, STAFF, citizens of Garden Grove, my name is Nicholas Dibbs. I I was here at the last meeting when the parents >> [snorts] >> were complaining about what what's not being done or what should be done at Monroe Elementary School, and I just want to uh connect the dots a little bit here because [snorts] we've seen other problems over the years uh where parents are upset about different things inclu- and employees as well. It seems to me that, you know, you and I don't know what our assistant superintendent for elementary education has been doing or not doing, but it seems to me like you should do something for these parents. Perhaps offer a summer remediation uh class uh and or tu- tutoring for the next school
054year so get them caught up and deal with this issue. So, this is just another example of of what I have seen over the years of mismanagement or ineffective management and follow-up. So, please deal with this in an effective way and help these students and the to to get their skills up. And we have the summer coming up, utilize that time. That's a suggestion. Now, with regard to um the TK K issue uh support your your teachers and and and give them what they want, which is they're the experts. They're the ones who are in the trenches day in and day out serving the the students. They're asking you to eliminate the TK uh TK K uh combo so just eliminate it. That takes care of that problem. Okay, thank you. >> [applause] >> Now,
055on the teen mental health thing, you know, Craig Durfee and I have been asking this board and staff since 2018 to do more about the harmful effects of cell phone use, screen time addiction, sleep deprivation caused by the social media problems. And finally, you guys do something, so thank you. So, on April 23rd, you're going to have this event. Please make sure that this webinar, could you please post it so parents can see it. Um and then I want to ask on the Simon Builders program. Now, we have the Simon Scholars program. So, um Dr. Heflin, you're aware of that, but the Simon Builders program where we can implement CTE in the construction trades called the Simon Builders program, so please do that. Um also on GGUSD's cell phone use policies are they posted on
056the as as BPs and or administrative regulations on the school district website? I know, Dr. Mafi, you've sent me things in emails about this, but I've been asking that you implement a cell phone ban as other districts are doing and make these policies clear and on the website. Are they on the website? That's a question. Um [snorts] revise your mental health resolution 11. It's outdated and bring in the resolution that I've emailed you from the Department of Health in North Carolina. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Dibbs. >> [applause] >> And that concludes our public comments for the evening. Up next is approval of the minutes from what was that date? March 3rd. Any questions or comments around the minutes from the March 3rd meeting? Hearing none, can you please call the vote? Student trustee,
057Chris Tighe Getachu. I. Trustee Dina Winn. Abstain. Trustee Walter Muneton. I. Trustee Teri Rocco. I. Trustee Lan Winn. I. Chairperson Bob Harden. Abstain. Item three, public hearings, presentations, and reports. I believe we have one of this evening, uh initial contract proposal from GGEA. The floor is yours. Good evening, school board, uh Dr. Mafi, and distinguished guests. My name is Joe Miller. I'm uh joined by Kathy Demayo, Tina Schumacher, and Michelle Mucky, and we are representing the Garden Grove Education Association. We would like to uh the association proposes that all terms and conditions for the 2025-2026 agreement be continued with the following articles to be negotiated. Article two article four article six article nine article 11 article 12 and article 15. Thank you very much. Okay. Thank you. >> [applause] >> All right. Agenda item four,
058administration. Do I have a motion for item four? Trustee Walter, I move item four. Dina Winn, I second the motion. Item four A is an expulsion recommendation. Uh it's recommended by the district discipline committee that the board approve the the expelling three students for mandatory expulsion for one calendar year. Case notes are attached. Any questions or comments on those? Let's call the vote. Student trustee, Chris Tighe Getachu. Abstain. Thank you. Trustee Dina Winn. Yes. Trustee Walter Muneton. I. Trustee Teri Rocco. I. Trustee Lan Winn. Yes. Chairperson Bob Harden. I. Item five, programs and instruction. Do I have a motion? Lan Winn, I move to approve item five A and B. Do I have a second? Dina Winn, I second the motion. Item five A authorizes participation of six, seventh, and eighth grade students in the
0592026 Pacific Symphony Arts Express program. Should be noted that the tuition price for that program is $1,200 with financial aid available to all students based on need. Item five B is out of area events, out of district events. First one is Bolsa Grande High School, four history students in Hannah Jasper's history class to attend the Academic World Quest National Competition at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. on April 26th through 29th. Should be noted that this is the first time that Bolsa Grande has competed in that competition. Um and the superintendent in her weekly letter kind of rubbed it in um because some of you know that we have four homegrown board members here, and I'm the I'm the diversity hire. I graduated from Edison High School, who has won this competition several years in a
060row but not this year. I and congratulations to Bolsa Grande High School. Um go bring home some more trophies. She only said it twice in the letter she sent to us. >> [laughter] >> Uh number two, Pacifica High School, uh 12 NJROTC academic team members to the NJROTC National Brain Brawl competition in Daytona Beach, Florida, April 30th through May 4th. 20 leadership students from Rancho Alamitos High School the California Association of Directors of Activities Summer Leadership Camp at UC Santa Barbara in July. Excuse me, 140 vocal ensemble members from Garden Grove High School to attend a choir retreat in Idyllwild in January of 2027. And La Quinta High School, approximately 25 choir students to visit Carnegie Hall in New York in June of 2027. Questions or comments on any of those items? Hearing none, please
061call the vote. Student trustee, Chris Tighe Getachu. I. Trustee Dina Winn. Yes. Trustee Walter Muneton. I. Trustee Teri Rocco. I. Trustee Lan Winn. I. Chairperson Bob Harden. I. A long list of business items here. Do I have a motion for six A through O? I move we approve items six A through O. Lan Winn, I second it. Okay. Six A is one we've been working on for a while. And I want to thank members of staff who had their had their hands in the middle of this one and helped to alleviate some of the concerns of the board. Um since 1975, the and this is resolution number 18 for a joint use lease agreement um for a portion of the Chapman Hedinger Center. Since 1975, the district and city of Garden Grove have maintained a
062joint use agreement for the Chapman Sports Complex. Uh in October, the board approved the intent to dedicate an easement adjacent to an existing water pump next to the sports complex for the purposes of water treatment pending public hearing. Um, the proposed area is now moving forward as a lease rather than as an easement. Uh, the lease provides an initial term of 30 years with the option to renew for one additional 10-year term, establishes the initial rent at $9150 per year with with inflation inflation and market adjustments over over the life of the agreement, and the district maintains a right to terminate the agreement for convenience. Uh, the city is also responsible for paying any taxes or assessments related to its use of the property. So, staff is now recommending that the board adopt resolution 18
063authorizing the joint use lease agreement with the city of Garden Grove for the portion of the Chapman Heading Heading Center located 11852 Knotott Street in Garden Grove, and direct the superintendent or designee to take all steps and perform all actions necessary to enter into, execute, and implement the agreement, as well as take any actions deemed necessary to protect the interests of the district. 6B, food service supplies. Um, we have a a short list of pricing increases. Uh, staff recommending that the board approve uh, 9.2% average price increase on four items from Individual Food Service for food service supplies, and that's effective April 27th of this year. 4C, food bid number 2406 food service delivery truck authorizes the first of four extensions of bid number 2406 for the purchase of delivery trucks from RWC Group um,
064doing business as Fred M. Borner Motor Company with a 12% price increase. Contract is valid from January 22nd of 2026 through January 21st of 2027. The price increase is within the bid terms of the original bid and remains the most cost-effective means for purchasing delivery trucks for the district. 6D authorizes participation in the California California Multiple Award Schedule to purchase purchase furniture from School Specialty LLC. Uh, the contract is valid from February 2nd, 2026 through February 28th, 2027. 6E authorizes participation in the California Multiple Award Schedule with RGB Systems Inc. doing business as Extron Electronics for the purchase and warranty of hardware and software uh, valid from March 8th of this year through February 11th, 2031. 6F authorizes participation in the California Multiple Award Schedule Schedule >> [clears throat] >> with Carrier Corporation with Sigler
065Wholesale Distributors serving as an authorized reseller to purchase heating, ventilation, air conditioning equipment and services uh, through December 31st, 2027. 6G authorizes participation in the California Multiple Award Schedule with Epson America Inc. Um, with AVIPSL LLC as an authorized reseller to purchase the warranty, installation, and repair of printers, projectors, scanners, and accessories um, through December 31st of 2028. 6H, uh, staff is recommending the board approve acceptance of the completion of California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act bids and purchase orders uh, a number of projects at about eight different sites. 6I is it's recommended the board approve the second of four extensions of the request for proposal number 2305 for workers' comp software with clear.ai with no price increase. Uh, contract is valid from April 17th of this year through April 16th, 2027. 6J, it's
066recommended the board approve the second of four extensions of RFP 2309 for fire alarm testing from RM Systems with no price increase. Contract is valid from April 17th of this year through April 16th, 2027. 6K, staff recommends the board approve the second of four extensions of of RFP number 2310 for direct current fast charging stations from InCharge Energy with no price increase. Contract is valid from April 17th of this year through April 16th, 2027. 6L authorizes use of the Santa Cruz City School District bid facility supply service contract 2025-10 for the purchase and installation of the Division of the State Architect approved portable buildings from American Modular Systems Inc. Uh, valid through May 14th of 2028. 6M is ratification of California Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act informal bid awards uh, in accordance with res-
067resolution 15 passed by this board uh, in January of 2019 we adopted an informal bidding process for public works and maintenance projects with a value between 15,000 and 220,000. It's recommended the board approve the attached list uh, of informal bids um, for a variety projects at several sites. 6N is the Uniform Complaint Report Summary under the Williams Settlement. Uh, it is recommended the board accept the Uniform Complaint Report Summary for the period of January 1st through March 31st, 2026 um, with zero complaints showing on the report. 6O is purchase orders and checks uh, for grand total of $75,931,581.59. Items 6A through O. Any questions or comments on any of those items? I have a question on item 6K for the installation of fast charging uh, station. I noted in here that to do that and
068then we qualify for the rebate of $528,000 from Southern California Edison. My question is that how much does it cost to install this uh, fast charging station? I don't have the um, total amount off the top of my head, but I can look into that and I can share that information with you after the meeting. We'll get it to the board. But it is something we need for our um, buses. Well, yeah, I would say when I say rebate, a big amount. I mean, I don't know how much bigger thing is that We're paying more than that, but we will tell you the exact amount tomorrow. Something we get Sometime we get more rebate than we pay out, so that's what I'm trying to get at. >> [laughter] >> All right. Any other questions? Comments?
069Hearing none, let's call the vote. Student Trustee Kristy Gatto? Aye. Trustee Dina Nguyen? Yes. Trustee Walter Muneton? >> Aye. Trustee Teri Rocco? Aye. Trustee Lan Nguyen? Yes. Chairperson Bob Harden? Aye. All right, 7A through J. I hear a motion. Lan Nguyen moved to approve items 7A through J. I second the motion. Okay, thank you. 7A is a certificated personnel report. 7B is a classified personnel report. 7C is resolution number 19 designating the new position of general counsel as classified senior management position. After careful review of legal services and associated costs, staff recommends the recruitment of the position of general counsel to report directly to the superintendent or designee. Personnel Commission approved the establishment of the position of general counsel at its meeting on April 1st of this year. So, it's recommended the board adopt resolution
07019 designating the new position of general counsel as a classified senior management position. 7D is a declaration of need for fully qualified teachers. Uh, since the 1998-99 school year, the district's adopted an annual declaration of need for fully qualified educators. This declaration to be adopted no later than July 1st of each year as required by Ed Code Section 80026 and the Title 5 procedures adopted by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing that govern district requests for issuing and renewing emergency credentials. The declaration is valid for 12 months as an and is an estimate of the number of teachers with emergency credentials that may be needed during the school year. Uh and the estimate total is uh one for multiple subject, 20 single subject, five special ed uh for a total of 26. 7E is consideration of
071ratification of the tentative agreement with CSEA, our classified employees. It's recommended the board ratify the tentative agreement with CSEA and its chapter 121 to increase the 2024-25 salary schedule by one effect by 1% um retroactive to July 1st of 2025 for the 2025-26 school year. Additionally, employees will receive a one-time 1% off-schedule salary increase on base pay for the 2025-26 fiscal year at year-end. 7F uh ratification of the tentative agreement with GGUSD super supervisory unit uh same terms and conditions uh 1% uh retroactive to July 1st uh and 1% off-schedule uh to be paid at year-end. 7G is consideration of salary increase for the Board of Education members. Uh it's recommended the board approve a 1% salary increase for board members and that increase is not retroactive. It's effective as of [snorts] uh approval of
072this measure this evening. It's 1% on book and zero off book. 7H is consideration of salary increase for classified substitutes, tutors, and college workers. Again, it's recommended the board approve a 1% salary increase for classified substitutes, tutors, and college workers uh effective March 16th, 2026. 7I is consideration of salary increase for confidential employees and student supervision as assistants the same again the same terms and conditions 1% uh effective July 1st, 2025 and 1% off-schedule uh to be paid at the fiscal year-end. throughout year-end. 7J is consideration of salary increase for management employees and again the same same financial conditions. Any questions or comments on anything under item seven? No questions, just a comment for note for item seven G for salary increase for Board of Education members just to kind of give uh community members
073some perspective for note uh salary for Board of Education members isn't what typically what people would consider a salary. There's no six-figure um income that the Board of Education gets. It's about a $1,200 stipend if give or take depending on each individual board member and how long their longevity has been with the board. Um assuming that um it is a $1,200 stipend and the percentage is 1%, this is about $12 per uh individual trustee um and it costs the district of about $60 if I'm not mistaken. So, typically that would be the cost uh for um the district for the increase for Board of Education members and the reason why I bring this up is because there has been a lot of talk about Board of Education members increasing their overall pay due to uh
074different state legislation that has passed uh but that is not that. Um so, I just kind of wanted to note that but correct me if I'm wrong. Um this is uh not a um that is not that. This is typically just uh something that we would follow as every other um as every other um bargaining group as well. Yes, this is just the me too that the board members always get with a maximum of 5% and not including the off. Um in addition to that, board members do receive health and welfare benefits that have an additional value and separate from that will be a conversation um looking at of the new law. Um there's some districts that have made some changes. There are some maximums in place. We're right at the verge and I'll be
075um we're preparing it now actually Abigail and I to present to the board because we're right next year will be potentially below the 35,000 which is a difference in the annual stipend. So, I'll be um we're working on that now. I'll be presenting it to the board as a whole. Thank you. We all make the same >> Yes, all every board member makes the same amount. Got it. There the only reason why I mentioned that is because for example, if a board member has been on the board for 20 years that's an example compared to a board member that has been on for five years there has been um salary increases for that board. Does that uh happen all across the board or is that just >> It's per board member, so there's no difference.
076Everyone makes the exact same stipend amount um and that is applied to the board member position, not to the person based on seniority. So, it's the exact same distribution for every board member. Okay, thank you. Any other questions or comments on any of the items under seven? Hearing none, let's call the vote. Student trustee Kristy Gattu? Abstain. Thank you. Trustee Dina Win? Yes. Trustee Walter Muneton? Aye. Trustee Terry Rocco? Aye. Trustee Lan Win? Aye. Chairperson Bob Harden? Aye. And that leads us to our final item on the agenda uh board member comments and we'll start with uh Kristy Gattu. Thank you. Hi everyone. Heading into the final stretch of the school year, I just want to acknowledge how hard our students are working. Whether it's preparing for AP exams, finishing up final projects, ASPIRE testing,
077or the end of year assignments, this is an important time for everyone and I'm proud for all of us of all of us for getting here, excuse me. It is a busy time for everyone from elementary to the high schools, but there is also a celebratory feeling as we begin to close in on the end of another school year. I also know many students are excited about the upcoming 60th anniversary event on May 15th celebrating GGUSD. The district along with many of our schools are getting performances, activities, and many more ready for the event to celebrate our amazing milestone. I also had the opportunity to attend my second state of the district dinner and it was honestly such a meaningful experience. Being in a space where students could have real conversations with the people who
078work every day to shape our district was incredibly powerful. It was inspiring to see how much our voices are valued. I especially loved seeing how many student leaders come together along with the performances that really highlighted the talents that we have across our schools behind beyond academics. Thank you all for your continued support. Okay. Trustee Win? Yes. Thank you, Kristy, for your insight. We value your your opinion. Uh first I want to acknowledge the receipt of the GGEA bargaining proposals for 2026-2027. And after you're hearing a few speakers tonight, I feel that um some of the speakers did raise a legitimate concern regarding the mixture of the preschoolers with the um kindergarteners. Um I think for me that's kind of common sense uh and I don't believe a person would have to have an expert
079degree to know when you put different age group together like that is very difficult and very challenging. So, I would be in supportive of a solution to resolve the issue presented tonight. I have nothing further. Okay. Mr. Muneton? Yes, thank you, President Harden. Good evening, everybody. You're going to try to be brief. Uh currently on uh spring break with my school district, so as you see I am ready to rock and roll after this. Um so, uh yeah. Good evening, everybody, again. Um of course, starting off with thanking everybody for coming and speaking um and you know, being a part of the democratic process. It doesn't matter if I agree with the individual that's speaking or not. As long as you're coming down and you're exercising your right to speak, then I applaud you and
080thank you for coming especially that mom who mentioned, you know, that she had her two kiddos outside waiting for her. Um I I know what that's like. I I I know what it is being a parent of young children. Uh my mom was a single mom that, you know, worked hard and you know, she didn't have the luxury to come to Board of Education meetings. She was too busy dealing with the day-to-day. So, kudos to, you know, moms in general for making it out. Uh a couple of days ago, I met with uh our folks from GGEA and they brought up some concerns regarding special education. Um and obviously, special education is a difficult topic and uh it was diff- difficult to see even. I I definitely, you know, applaud you for your for your
081work. Um and and for all those who have been in your position. It's a difficult role, right? There's no one quick-fix solution for every single issue that arises. It's ever-changing and it's fluid and I experienced that in my day-to-day as a social worker in my respective district, right? There's no like one-size-fits-all solution. We're all learning and we're all trying. Um I know our superintendent Dr. Moffitt gave us a report from WestEd back in January. Um seeing that I have more spare time since the spring break, I've been able to catch up on some readings and have have read uh said report. I know uh Vice President Nguyen has also mentioned um that report as well. Um and and and you know, I won't dive too much into it, but nonetheless it it is something that
082we do need to take a look at. I know it's been some time since we've had a study session on on the matter. I'm definitely would be supportive of having a study session. It doesn't have to be immediately, it doesn't have to be next month or the following, but as long as we get that on the books. I know Vice President Nguyen is also looking at this item and um you know, if he's interested in in further conversations, I'm definitely open to that and of course I'll be bringing this back to my uh superintendent as well. And yeah, just looking for ways to explore and try to find a solution, a common ground solution for all of those folks. It's not just hearing it from GGIA, I don't want to just place it all on
083them, but hearing it from parents, hearing it from educator educators that might not be directly involved with GGIA, and then from students, etc. It's it's more of a holistic approach. Um and then lastly, um you know, like uh Trustee Nguyen mentioned in receipt of the proposals, myself nor is she nor everybody else on this board. We're not in these negotiation meetings. We're not on the table. We're not negotiating. We're not negotiators. We trust that our district acts in good faith in these bargaining uh agreements. Nonetheless, like I mentioned, as a father of young children, I definitely do see that there is a large difference between a kindergartner and a TK-er. I have a I have both actually. You know, one that's going into TK and one that's going to be exiting TK. And when I
084look at them, it's night and day, right? Personalities, behaviors, things like that. So, um you know, I'm going to let our district act in good faith and continue the negotiation process because we don't dictate that, but we definitely do uh you know, are are curious to see how how it evolves and um you know, I'll just leave it at that, but that's going to be my comments for today. Thank you. Yeah. Terry. Yes, first I want to congratulate our exemplary April employees of the month and thank them for their service to our district, to our students especially, and their schools communities. Uh congratulations to our amazing first impression art show winners. Their talent, I mean, look at how young they are. Just they have very bright futures ahead of them, whether they choose to professionally
085go into the the field of art or it just is a hobby for them. It's a form of expression and it's really important for those kids. I'm so glad that we have a robust program in our district. Uh I want to thank all the speakers for bringing us your concerns. We listen. We may not respond immediately, but we do listen. We do discuss. We do talk. We do talk to Dr. Murphy. We ask questions. We make sure we're following up. If we're not in the complete loop, we're asking, "Could you give us more information so we have a clear picture and all the pieces of the puzzle that we thought possibly could have so we can make the best decisions. So, thank you. Um before I share some of the events, I just want to
086make it clear that we as board members have a lot of duties. One of the duties that I think we take very seriously is engaging with the community. So, when we share that we've gone to events or schools, district events, community events, we're not going for a party. We're going there in support of those of of our community. We also look at that as an opportunity to engage in conversation with students, with parents, with employees, with community members, and make ourselves visible and approachable. So, I think it's a very important thing that we do when we do our sharing of where we've been, what we've done, what we've seen. We're also very very proud of the things that are occurring in our district. So, I hope that people understand that. So, uh we did Lan
087and I did have the opportunity to go to San Francisco to the CABE conference to accept the award for the CABE 2026 Trailblazer Visionary Board Award in appreciation for our district's leadership in expanding the Vietnamese dual language immersion, including the launch of our first school Vietnamese Heritage Language Program, engaging our parent our parents, our families, uh not just through language, but through culture, through the activities, and just our commitment to that. I don't know if you want to add to that, Lan. I didn't want to steal your thunder, but No, I mean, I'm just I'm very impressed at our district. Yes, I I traveled with Terry to San Francisco to receive the award from CABE, California bilingual education. Uh not only one award, but two award as well. One of them was for trailblazer visionary
088board for the action that our district have been taking together to promote bilingual education, language education, and the cultural connection, the whole breadth of of the the different thing that we do in the district. But, to my surprise, we also got another award which called 2026 Glenn Awoki Multiple Pathway Award. Um then to my surprise too, this is another organization altogether called California Together. They were going through the process and looking to the best school district throughout California to promote the multiple pathway to get this kind of bilingual education. They have some sort of system with CABE, but it was totally different thing and they did that and they somehow they recognized I I were able to have I sit next to the leadership of California Together and they explain how the scope around look
089for the best district doing that and then they spot our our our district. We didn't even apply for doing anything. They were looking out for the best for them. They saw the multiple pathway because we are trying to do different thing different avenue to get to to promote our vision which is to promote the language capability in for our students so that uh they can be uh multi multi-literals and and and then cultural literacy in our students. So, as shown as a result of our district for after many years and the leadership they because they vote different and then they saw each other doing recognize our school district at the same time. They keep telling me just like you're winning a lottery. So, they keep telling me to go out and buy a lottery ticket.
090I had a better luck than than winning two uh award at the same time like that. And for that, I'm very proud about district doing that. I'm very impressed. Thank you, Terry, for helping our district to do represent our district at that event. I mean, that that this recognition not only for our district, but for the board commitment commitment to to to work together for that vision and Okay, back to you. Sorry. No, no, I wanted you to add that. Um I had the opportunity to attend the Orange County Department um of Education State of State of Education because I was interested in hearing what the county what their vision, what their goal is. And the focus here, I think, at many events I attended was inclusiveness, um and the importance that educators and all
091all the employees in the school district make for our students. And at this event, of course, Dr. Being was there and told his story. I know many of you have heard. And Adan Correa, who's Lou Correa's son, um who is autistic. And if any of you saw Love on the Spectrum, he was he was in that. And he came and spoke probably for 20 minutes. Uh very um very eloquently, I must say, but shared his experience. It's great to hear student voice, but especially the the voice of our special needs students of his journey, the the difficult times, but he focused a lot on what it took for him to get through, the support of his coach that he went you know, he focused on wrestling and that was his avenue not to be bullied
092and to feel some sense of of pride and just confidence. And his his chorus teacher. So, music and wrestling were his salvation, but all of the teachers that he named who helped him along the way um was very impressive. And that was the point he was trying to make is that students need the support of everybody. And it's through that support that they're able to go forward and and reach their potential, whatever it is and whoever it is. So, it was really amazing to to be at that and to hear that story. Uh also attended something called a training at Orange County through I think it was CSBA. And it was called uh the index. Uh, it was a training about, uh, kind of focusing on building skills for dignified disagreement because we're in such
093a polarized polarized time that you're either this or this. There's no shade of gray anymore. And so either I'm right and you're wrong or you know, and so that cuts the conversation that that prevents us from having a dialogue. And, uh, everybody really wants to be seen, they want to be heard, and they want to express their point of view. That's kind of the way things used to be a long time ago, it seems like. So getting back to that and focusing on your language and how you're saying things and and listening to people, trying to understand and find a common ground so that you can make some connection and start to have, uh, a dialogue where, um, we're civil and and respectful. So I found that to be very helpful and, um, and, uh,
094going to look at that and continue to focus on some of the things I learned there in my dealings with and I tried to be that way, but now I have even more tools in my tool belt to try to incorporate as a board member. Um, there were many school events, uh, open house at Pacifica and also this morning coffee with the principal at Pacifica. And I like those events, uh, because it brings parents in and makes the principal accessible. And the principal comes, she talked about, uh, WASC findings findings at Pacifica, but also opens it up to parents to ask questions, to bring to the table their concerns. And if they can't be addressed immediately, it's put on the agenda for the next time we get together. So I think that empowers parents and
095a lot of the parents that are there are not the usual parents that come to PTA or anything else, but they can make it for this short 1-hour time with the principal. So it's another avenue to get, um, information and to build relationships with our parents. Um, also attended the farmers market at Bryant. I wanted to go, I heard about it, but seeing it is is amazing. Uh, it is basically they get food from the food bank, Second Harvest Food Bank, but it's all manned by volunteers, parent volunteers, volunteers from the school, working together to provide fresh produce and food for so many of our families that, um, that need it during these times. Uh, and it's it's wonderful. I think they even collected clothing and just they even add to that to make it
096better. And it's a wonderful, it is like going to a farmers market, um, where everybody greets everyone and the kids come and, um, the parents come and interact and they walk away, uh, with very much needed food. So, um, I'm really glad I was able to go see that. Went to Rancho to, um, visit the skilled trades at Rancho. You know, we started at the beginning of the year and, um, I have visited a few times, so I uh, had the ability to see them in the beginning when they got all their new shiny tools and things, the classroom was new and, um, their focus was going to be initially be teaching the kids safety, exposing them to to, um, opportunities to, uh, investigate and explore what, uh, occupations out there for them. And they
097moved into, uh, a little bit of carpentry and made some beautiful wooden trees for Christmas that I saw in there. Uh, this time around they were dabbling in electronics. And the kids were showing us how they, uh, put together, um, I [clears throat and snorts] couldn't even explain it, but basically it was a light where you had to there were three junctures there that they had to work together as a team to problem solve, to get their hands in there and and work to, uh, make this work, to make the light bulb go on and literally. So, um, very impressed with what they've done so far and the year's not even over. So, and I just want to give kudos to everyone that was involved with the road map, uh, to success of Bolsa with
098the demystifying college myths that was, uh, sponsored by the United Way, um, because those are another opportunities to inform our parents and our kids of the pathway beyond high school, college or whatever it may be. I know now and now we're not just looking at community college for your college, but CTE, uh, all the opportunities that are out there. So our kids are well informed and so are their parents, um, uh, how to pay for it, uh, who to talk to, how to navigate all of that. It's a lot, but a lot of opportunities for our kids. A lot of work goes into those events, they're huge and require a lot of people that and a lot of planning ahead of time. So, I thank you so much to our district for offering that. Um,
099also the parent leadership academy was a very big success and, uh, teaching our parents about, uh, social emotional learning and what their part can be in supporting what we're doing. Uh, I think that's the first time I've seen that. Uh, that type of a training and, uh, so our parents were very grateful and I think, um, we'll see the reap the benefits from that over time as we continue to have parent leadership academy for our parents because it's not just for them, but also for them to pass on to other parents who couldn't be there. So and thank you, Dr. Moffitt, and everyone who was involved with the state of the district. It was amazing. I heard so many positive comments at my table from, uh, students, parents, uh, our community members, our partners at
100how amazing, uh, they were they did they were just blown away, uh, I think by the talent of our kids, uh, definitely student voice and the videos where they could see and and it conclusively told us a story of of what we're doing and what we're proud of in our district and everybody walked away very impressed. We got a lot of compliments, so thank you. That's it. Okay. Mr. Win, back. Thank you, uh, for letting me come back. Uh, as we we we have two, um, first I want to congratulate the winner of the the right recognition and the fine art uh, program. Uh, it it's actually at the tip of the iceberg thing tip of the thing, but we with a bigger program in the fine art and the performing art in our school
101in our school district over many year. I'm very proud of of this program, the robust very robust program. Uh, I'm saying that because I hear a lot of uh, comment and apply from the parent from student, people to to showcase their talent, people to join in certain activity. Uh, what we see at the award day the recognition is only a sample the of that, but what actually happened with the huge program that we have throughout our school district and for that I'm very impressed. Especially for the community diverse community we have that, uh, certain an opportunity to to them to join in uh, fine art program, the performing art, the Disney show and all that. Uh, I would say it's very rare that many of our student have a chance, uh, to participate in in
102such a program. Uh, speaking of myself, I wasn't able to even understand, appreciate, know what it is, uh, have such opportunity until I went to sort of law school when I had to kind of be a volunteer to be taught to be also in the the musical play. But now our student now have a chance to perform it, to do it, that thing. So I I mean that mean a lot to me to see our student have a such opportunity to do such program. And they wouldn't be able to do it without the the robust program that our fine art and performing art in our district have been supporting them for many years. I want to come back to one comment to regarding in the bilingual uh, the education the have a award. I want
103to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Tanya Avena for being appointed to the assistant superintendent. All right. Is that what it is? Yeah. Uh, thank you very much for taking up that step and then I have seen you more than walking around in in this area. So I appreciate that. I mean, I let's see, good luck with you in your new position and don't forget the what you've been doing and I hope you still around and help us with in in that regard. And at the end of the the meeting, can I ask a board to take a picture with the award that But oh, yeah. Okay, okay, I can do that. Okay. I've been busy. Um, been to a lot of places. Um I think there are a few that stand out over
104the last few weeks. Obviously, the state of the district. You know, and it's it's a big party. Um but it's not. It's It's an opportunity that we take full advantage of to show all of the partners that work with us through the year the impact of their partnerships um with GGUSD. Uh and it's a time to show off our students. And we have a We have high school students sitting at just about every table. Uh and you know, every year those kids are the stars of the show. Um I was a little surprised as I was kind of making the rounds of welcoming people to the event that three different people greeted me and congratulated me that I they'd heard I was retiring at the end of the year. Um which was news to me.
105Uh to paraphrase Mark Twai- Twain, rumors of my retirement are greatly exaggerated. Um let's go through a quick list of places I've been, people I've seen. Um starting with Mr. Alcaraz's biology class at La Quinta High School, which was a blast. Um Uh Mr. Alcaraz invited me to come in and talk to his biology class about my personal experience with DNA testing. Um and I managed to make it through four periods starting at oh dark 30 in the morning. Um and [snorts] um it was a lot of fun. Uh and I and I think at least some of the kids enjoyed it. Um There's a the student advisory group at La Quinta um which is a a great group of students, a couple of whom are twisting my arm to kind of recreate that uh
106jump [snorts] for joy graduation picture at this year's graduation. Um we'll we'll see how that works out. Um there was the parent leadership training. Um there was a PTA council meeting where I had a long conversation with Josh Peacock um who spoke so eloquently here this evening. Um who is is just doing an amazing job of advocating on behalf of his kid and and all of third special ed community. >> [snorts] >> Um Things coming up this week, just this week. Um Open house tomorrow night at Los Amigos. Oh, and I missed one, the Fitz Arts Fest. And I think the highlight two highlights at the Fitz Arts Fest. One is seeing what the kids are accomplishing there. And the other was the opportunity to have an extended conversation with PTO PTA members from Monroe
107and and Los Amigos um during that time. Uh then there upcoming events, open house at Los Amigos is tomorrow night. Uh honor band is Thursday night. Friday Friday morning I'm visiting the Chamber of Commerce. I think I'm I'm in was invited to be the opening act for Dr. Bean, who is the guest speaker. Um so I'll spend 5 minutes getting everybody warmed up. Dr. Bean doesn't need an opening act. Um but I will be there Friday morning and then I'll be at the International Festival of Monroe Friday evening. Um More school visits planned. I think we have this the between now and the next board meeting, we have the student advisory over at Los Amigos. Uh and and several other events going on next week and then we're into open house season. So, I think
108we're all pretty busy at the moment and will be for the next few weeks. Um coming up, future meetings April 21st. Um we have a short close session potentially. Um uh time and time and place to be announced. Uh and then on May 15th, uh we will have a 5:00 p.m. close session. On both those evenings, we'll have the regular meeting here in the board room at 7:00 p.m. And with that, um