KCUSD Regular Board Meeting 2/17/26

001reconvene into open session. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. To the flag of the United States of America and to the stand, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. out of close session by a vote of three to one with Trustee Garcia voting no and Trustee King being absent. The governing board of King City Union School District has moved to reassign a principal to the classroom for the 2026 2027 school year. That is auto report out of close session. We will now go ahead and move on to recognition. All right. So this evening we are recognizing our employees of the year that are chosen by their respective school sites. So we're going to start with our classified staff this evening and if our administrators from Delray could come forward. Do I remember correctly? Is

002Eela here this weekend or this evening? Okay. But I'm sure you would like to speak to the strengths of Isela Delgado as a parent educator at Del Rey. Good evening. I would like to speak to Isella Delgado. She's been a parah educator at our site for seven years. She works closely with our RSP teacher to provide small groupoup instruction for special education students. Isella takes initiative to support our students. She is innovative and dedicated to working with them. Her small group management skills are remarkable. She always and the reason why she can't be here tonight, by the way, is she's at school. She's uh she received her bachelor's degree in world studies from CSUMB and is now enrolled in a master's program for public administration at California State Northridge. So, uh she is a great

003parent educator at our site. She builds relationships. She was one of the first IAS to get trained in 95% to be able to support our students in reading. So, please give her a big round of applause even though she can't be here. Thank you. All right. Next up for Santa Lucia is Amy here this evening. All right. Perfect. So, Amy Sandival, PAR educator at Santa Lucia. Congratulations. All right. Amy Sandival works in one of our STC classrooms. She works with our littlest students, our TK and kindergarten students. She works hard and is somebody that can be depended on. You don't need to ask Amy if she loves her job. You can see it every single day. She takes her job seriously, truly cares about the students, and comes to work with a great attitude and

004willing to help out in any way that she can. When I share that she was chosen for our classified employee of the year, I told her the reasons why. When I let her know I really appreciate how she shows up like she loves each day, she confirmed, "I do." In fact, she shared with me that the work she gets to do has inspired her to go back to school and work on becoming an SDC teacher herself. I'm excited for a future that includes people like Amy that are passionate about helping kids with some of the greatest needs in our classrooms. She's an amazing asset to our school site and we thank you so much. You see me? >> Hold on for a picture, please. congratulations again, Amy. All right, for Shalon Peaks, Miss Reed, are

005you here? There we go. Veronica Gonzalez. We have so many faces. Is Veronica here this evening? Well, please come share a little bit about Veronica, a PAR educator for us at Shalon Peaks. >> Good evening. I'm super excited to be able to talk about Veronica who is our pair educator who assists in our speech classroom. So, she works in uh with small groups in our speech room. She's very organized and she's timely. Most importantly, she's a great communicator. So, when working with staff or students, she's always on top of things and ready to set out whatever she needs to tackle for that day. She sets very high expectations for herself, students, and staff, and she follows through with those expectations. She is always smiling and very pleasant to be around and she even goes out

006of her way and assists with our career fair communications when we need the extra help. So, I'm super excited to honor Veronica for our King City Arts magnet our KCAM campus. Our pareducator of the year is Miriam Ariano. Is Miriam here this evening? There she is. And Miriam is also going to be our district nominee to the county competition for pared educator this year. We are very excited for Miriam tonight. Miriam is an outstanding special circumstances parent educator at KAM. She's been with the district for longer than most of us have. She's been I don't even know how many years. >> 32 years. 32 years. um she really know knows the culture of our district and our school and um that's very helpful uh to our families who are coming in for the first time.

007She's really able to help them. She does the same thing out in the community. She's very much um she's a community member, has lived here for many, many years, raised her children here, and she really is a great example of what it means to be a PAR educator in King City. She's super super helpful to me, everyone she encounters, including the students, other classified staff, teachers, and parents. She's very flexible. Like I ask her, um, oh, hey, you know, can you keep those kids in the cafeteria five minutes longer? Sure, no problem. You know, and anything. Uh, she's in addition today, she translated for an IEP very last minute, and we needed some help. She she stepped right up. Um, she never says no. if anybody has a request for her. She does her job

008very well and she's helped her colleagues to improve their practice as well. Um Miriam is a fixture at KAM and we are so happy to have her as a part of our staff. She is very deserving of this recognition not only at the KAM level but at the district level and hopefully at the county level and we congratulate her tonight. Thank you, Miriam. Miss Singh, you might as well stay right there for a moment. >> All right. So, in the category of technical classified employee of the year, we have our library technician from KCAM, Kathy Lopez, who will also be moving on as our district nominee for that category. Is Kathy here this evening? So Kathy um she is so wonderful. I asked a lot of Kathy at the beginning of this school year. I

009asked um I wanted to bring some new things to KAM and I wanted to change things up a little bit and she jumped right on them. Um she's stepped right up and made everything happen. When we started the school year, I really wanted to bring AR to KAM. It had that had been in little pockets at KAM but not a district not a schoolwide initiative. Um and uh she along with the rest of the AR committee has really made it happen. She spent a lot of time researching the program and how to make it run right, how to uh set goals for kids, all of the behindthe-scene work that has to go into setting those AR goals for kids. And she's worked closely with our teachers to ensure that they know the ins and outs

010of this program and it's running very smoothly. Um she guides students to pick books that are at their level so that they can be successful in AR. They also allowed to pick one book of their choice too. So, she helps guide them with that. Um, in addition to that big request of AR, I really wanted our youngest students to get to the library twice in a week. She completely rearranged her schedule to allow our TKK and first grade students to visit the library twice a week, check out two sets of books a week, and it has definitely increased the amount of books that our youngest students are reading. She um she had this schedule for years and years and was like, "Okay, yeah, we can change this. we can make a difference. Um, uh, let's

011see. It really instills a love of reading for our students to let them have these, uh, different books, uh, twice a week. So, Kathy is very deserving of this recognition and we appreciate all that she does for KAM and for the district and we are sending good thoughts for the county. Congratulations. Okay, now moving on to our teacher of the year um employees for this year. So from Santa Lucia, we have our third grade teacher, Mrs. Carrie Serpa. Yeah. Okay. This one's the staff chooses and helps us decide who is going to be our teacher of the year. Um, but I have worked in first grade and third grade with Carrie and so I can verify all the things that were said are absolutely true. Carrie leads with kindness and empathy. She's always there to

012listen to her peers and her students. When she experiences challenges in the classroom, she always remains calm and handles situations from a place of love. She's very thoughtful. She is the kind of teacher who makes a lifelong impact on every student that steps into her classroom. For many, Carrie is more than a co-orker. She is a friend. a friend who always checks in on others, brings little gifts that tells you that she's thinking of you and anything you might be going through, as well as bringing snacks for her grade level meetings. In a world where kindness can sometimes feel like the exception rather than the norm, Miss Serpa is there to remind you that remind you what at their best people can be and maybe what some of us should be more like. So, thank

013you. All right, Miss Singh, we're returning back to the KCAM campus. So, for this school year, the KCAM staff has selected Susan Glow as their teacher of the year. Okay. Yeah. I don't know where to start. Actually, I do because I wrote it down because I knew I wouldn't know where to start. We are so happy to have Susan at Kam this year. I can't even tell you. I don't think we've ever nominated a teacher in their first year at our school uh for teacher of the year. In fact, I can't ever remember that. Um but Susan definitely deserves it. She is an integral component of our TK program, not just at our school, but across the district, and has really helped us design an effective, compassionate developmental transitional kindergarten program. She's highly knowledgeable about

014the best practices for our youngest students, including conscious discipline. She spent a whole week with us, uh, learning all about conscious discipline, and has really integrated the best practices from that program into her classroom. Um, she shares all of that knowledge with her TK colleagues across the district, including her her one of one that she mentors currently who's also in our TK program. Um, we asked some of her colleagues uh what some of student strengths were and these were their comments. Susan has returned to TK with a passion. She is enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and organized. She also finds time to mentor others and engage in a positive way with all staff. One other person says, "Susan shows compassion for everyone, but especially her students. She's a great listener and very positive with her colleagues. Her patience

015is admirable as well. As soon as you walk into her classroom, you instantly feel warm and fuzzy welcome." And that is 100% true. So, um, Susan loves TK so much. She was going to retire after one year, but decided that she just she she couldn't retire after just one year. She's going to be joining us again next year. So, we're super excited. Um, Susan is an outstanding teacher and we are very, very thankful to have her on our TK team and she is very deserving of this recognition. So, thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hey, Mrs. read for our Shalon Peaks middle school teacher of the year as well as the uh the county allows us to send a middle school teacher of the year and an elementary teacher of the year. So for our

016middle school teacher of the year representative, Miss Errol Henry Miss Henry has been on our campus for a a while now and it was really fun. Our teachers also nominate and contribute to um the teacher of the year. And the amount of comments that we had for Miss Henry was super fun to put onto the nomination form. I can't tell you how many times um she goes above and beyond appeared on each person's comment. She definitely does a lot, not only for our RSP students, but for all the students on our campus who are in need academically, socially, or just struggling with some life moments. She's there for them, advocating for our students and working with teachers to make sure that those needs of our students are met. She also does a wonderful job supporting

017our staff. So, if there's ever a need for someone to jump in and help out or if there's a hole of something missing, she's like, "I I can do that. If you're not if somebody hasn't stepped up yet, I can do that." Um, and sometimes we have to tell her no because we don't want to burn her out. I think that uh one of the things that is best about Ariel is that she cares very deeply. Um very caring and nurturing popped up a lot as well throughout our comments about Ariel and why she deserves teacher of the year. She's very compassionate, but she's also passionate. So, she brings in that empathy and then also that drive for what's best for students and making that um quite a presence on our campus. She's always doing

018her best and going the extra mile. She's very helpful and approachable. She is extremely flexible and she builds strong connections with our students. She gives them a place where they feel safe and they also want to be there which I think is valuable. Um she is a great mentor and a great leader and we are very honored to be able to have Ariel as our teacher of the year this year. All right, Miss Davidson, back to Del Rey. So, this year, Del Rey has selected Miss Melissa Melissa Ciney as their teacher of the year. And Melissa will also be representing the district as the elementary teacher of the year nominee. >> We also vote for Melissa. Uh she's been with us for 13 years. Not Del Rey specifically. She's actually taught at Santa Lucia, right?

019Um, how many years there >> but most as a dolphin? >> All right. All right. So, things that were shared with us. Miss Seni is an excellent teacher who supports and advocates for students. She holds her students to rigorous and high standards for behavior and academics. Her classroom runs smoothly with solid routines and procedures that support student learning. In addition to this, she works tirelessly to create a fun learning atmosphere for her students. She has a very calm demeanor and exhibits patience, kindness, and understanding with the most challenging students. Uh, Miss Seini helps our school in many ways. She's a leader. She volunteers extra hours. She's a member of our student uh, school site council. She represents second grade on our leadership team. She works on district standards uh based learning committee and also the

020new district special education PLN team. So a round of applause to Melissa Cini. Thank you again sites for selecting your employees of the year. It's always a wonderful event when we get to recognize them here at this time. And then the next celebration will be in May uh for the entire county. >> Congratulations to everyone that received an award today. It's an honor to have you guys be part of our of our district and our family. So congratulations to you guys again. >> The same congratulations to I know most of you guys I've had the opportunity to work with you guys in one or another capacity. So congratulations and it's a pleasure to have you guys and thank you guys for being part of our Keen City family. Thank you. >> We've had the privilege

021I believe correct me if I'm wrong to have both elementary and middle school win over at the at the um county level. So, we wish you all the best for our both um elementary and uh middle school. Um because again, we've done it before, we can definitely do it again. So, congratulations to all of you. I also want to say congratulations and thank you and also good luck. Um hopefully you guys also win. Um yes, thank you. I know I've worked with two of you actually, I believe. So, thank you again. Okay, we'll go ahead and move on to public comment. And I believe we have some You have some. Okay, go ahead, Cinda. And then if you can also keep track of 10. Can you hear me? I have three public comments to read

022that were submitted to the district anonymously that were requested that they be read tonight during the public comment section. from concerned staff parents of Santa Lucia school. Dear superintendent Jennifer Taylor and members of the board, we the staff and parents of Santa Lucia school are writing to formally express our deep concern and request clarification regarding the abrupt midyear reassignment of our principal Mrs. Kusha. While the recent parent square communication framed this transition as a reassignment to a new position, the circumstances witnessed by staff and the subsequent impact on our campus suggest a far more troubling reality. We are seeking transparency on the following points. Contradiction in performance and outcome. Under Mrs. Cucha's leadership, San Lucia has recently been recognized in board meetings for high academic achievement. It is difficult to reconcile these accolades with the

023decision to remove a leader midy year. If this move was indeed a promotion or a positive transition, we are concerned as to why Mrs. Kusha appeared devastated and was reportedly restricted from addressing her staff to ensure a smooth handoff. Did this board not just two years ago decide that Sanosia under the leadership of Mrs. Gusha was the perfect place to start a new DI program? This was no easy task and decision. So what changed? Why is her leadership now in question? Procedural concerns and transparency. Following the review of public records act CP requests, it appears that there are no formal complaints on file against Mrs. Gucha. Furthermore, we are concerned by reports of the board member conducting an independent investigation. It is our understanding of standard protocol that investigations are the perview of the superintendent's

024office, not individual board members. We request clarification on the authority and justification behind this process. Impact on school operations and student safety. Since Mrs. Cucha's departure, the daily operations of San Lucysa have suffered significantly administrative strain. Our remain site administrator appears exhausted and overwhelmed. While outside support has been provided, these individuals lack the sight specific knowledge necessary to manage our unique student population effectively. Student conduct. We have observed noticeable increase in student in incidents and decline overall in campus morale which directly impacts the learning environment. Speed educ education compliance. The absent of consistent leadership has affected IEP meetings. Bringing in substitutes who do not know our students histories or specific needs compromises the quality of support our students receive. Staff morale and urgent necessity. Staff morale is currently at an all-time low. The hush hush

025nature of the transition has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and distrust. We deserve to understand what urgent matter required Mrs. Kusha immediate removal before the conclusion of the school year especially given the disruption it has called caused our children. Santa Lucius thrives on stability and the strong relationship Mrs. Kusha built with student families and faculty. We believe this midyear change was not the best interest of our school community. We look forward to a prompt and transparent response regarding these matters and a clear plan for how the district intends to restore stability to our campus. Sincerely concerned staff and parents. Second letter. Dear superintendent and schoolboard members, I am writing this letter in response to the abrupt dismissal of Mel Kusha as our principal the day before winter break. It was an emotional day as students

026and most of my colleagues were unaware of what was happening nor why she did not return after the break. It was stressful not to be able to say goodbye and diff different rumors were spread explaining why she was not returning. The staff at Santa Lucia has been a second family to me for many years and since that Friday the morale has been low. I am sure you have your reasons but we still do not know the reason for Mel's dismissal. I have only witnessed her abilities to lead with our students best interest in mind. In my opinion, she has been supportive throughout the last several years as both assistant principal and principal. I have always felt comfortable in approaching her with concerns or issues. She is respectful and has consistently shown compassion and understanding. Additionally,

027she has developed meaningful relationships with students and staff. For these reasons, I am having a difficult time understanding why she was required to leave so abruptly. Since we have returned from winter break, the stress of not having Mel at our site and having only one consistent administrator on site can be felt by many. While Mike Jones is a very competent leader, and I respect his efforts to do all that is expected of him, he is being expected to fulfill the duties of two administrators. I appreciate the help and support of those that have stepped in from the district office, but is not the same as having the Eminem team, Mike and Mel, at Santa Lucia. I feel it is having a negative impact on the energy level of teachers, support staff, not to mention the

028behavior of some of our more challenging students. As you move forward and make decisions that impact our superstar family, I feel it is important that you hear from staff and hopefully the parents of our students as well. I am disappointed in the matter that Mel Cucha was removed from our site. However, I am confident that you will listen to all our concerns when making further changes. Thank you for your time. respectfully a concerned superstar teacher. Last comment. Dear superintendent and school board members, I am writing regarding the removal of principal Mel Cucha. I have had the privilege of working for Mrs. Kucha during her time as an administrator. From the moment she started as vice principal, she shows support and encouragement towards the teaching staff. Many of us instantly felt supported when it came to

029student behavior as she was prepared to really address the issues and support her teachers. As principal, she encouraged me to try new things, take on new roles, and help me work through various challenges. Many of the things I have learned and the skills I have required st stem from her encouragement. I have seen Mrs. Kusha build incredible relationships with our teachers, but most importantly with our students. I have witnessed special handshakes she creates with students who need an extra person in their corner. I have seen students who struggle with behavior or run to her office so excited to share that they had a good day. I personally have had students who was so excited to share with her that his math score improved by two grade levels. Unfortunately, she was unable to say goodbye and

030now we are the ones having to pick up the pieces when students ask where their principal is. Since Mrs. Kusha has been gone, Santaia hasn't felt the same. Sania has become the talk of the town, and we can't show up to work without hearing the latest rumors. The morale for many of us is at an all-time low, and some days it's difficult to come to work. I have seen students who weren't major behavior problems before the break become increasingly more difficult to manage. In my opinion, this has a lot to do with the removal of Mrs. Kusha. Although the support of other district administrators is appreciated, I believe that the lack of consistency is having a negative impact on the students. I believe that everyone is doing their very best given the circumstances, especially Mr.

031Jones. However, the behaviors that have happened since returning from the break are alarming. A teacher has been hit by a student just for that student to be returned to the classroom roughly 30 minutes later. It has taken three to five adults to handle one student. A teacher has had to have an administrator available to go to their classroom almost daily over destructive and disruptive behavior. Again, the people are here are doing their absolute best. But the fact is that this is what this is what's occurring. Unfortunately, the board made this decision that not only affects Mrs. Kusha but all of us at Santa Lucia. I have also noticed that to my knowledge, not a single board member has come to Santa Lucia since returning from the break to see how things are going. So my

032question is, how can such a big decision be made when there is no care for what happens after? Thank you for your time, a concerned teacher. >> I have Corey Coocher, buddy. I'm Mel's husband. Um, I spent a lot of time reading district board policies, studying government code and the Brown Act. Based on my interpretation, I believe the board and superintendent violated many policies and regulations in the process related to my wife's reassignment and endot. Now, I'm prep I prepared a detailed speech to make it clear what I thought was violated. The district did not even attempt to provide my wife an opportunity to respond or or any due process. From what I have gathered, there is no policy or code that prohibits the district from doing so and allow and allowing an employee an

033opportunity to respond. Therefore, I can only conclude that it was by choice that this board purposely prevented it. If my wife was allowed to respond, I know for a fact she would have held herself accountable for her mistakes, if there were any, and stood firm on issues she was not responsible for. Issues could have been addressed and corrected as they would have under normal circumstances. My wife is a fantastic person, a professional. She's rooted in principles and will own her mistakes. After seeing and understanding what an unconditional commitment letter is, I realized that my speech on violations would have no impact. As typical in government, rules are adopted, but ways to ensure that government cannot be held accountable when they don't follow them are also adopted. It's rules for thee, but not for me. And

034a complete lack of accountability. In my opinion, this lack of accountability is a big part of what is destroying our country, our state, our local governments, and our schools. The issue of principles, integrity, and accountability is a big part of the reason we're here. My wife operates with these things. She operates with principles, integrity, and accountability. It seems to me that the majority of the board does not. Therefore, there is a complete misalignment between this board and my wife. She doesn't fit their narrative and they can't respect her as herself. Tonight, it's clear with all the commentary and everything I've heard that you will continue to carry on with no accountability to do what is right for the students, the staff, the parents, the education, or my life as an employee or a fellow staff

035member. You will continue to do this until this community decides they've had enough. >> Thank you. >> Is there any other members of the audience wishing to speak on something that is not on tonight's agenda? >> Um, I'm reading this for someone that was here earlier. Uh oh, let me find it. Good evening, members of the board and superintendent. I asked a friend to help me read this letter to you as I am a mother first and I have to be home with my children. I have proudly served this district for eight years. During that time, I believe so deeply in the mission and the heart of this district. I have loved being part of this community so much that I now bring my own children here. Tonight, I stand before you with a heavy

036heart. I was one of the individuals who hesitated to speak publicly out of concern for potential repercussions. But the recent decision to remove Mel from Santa Lucia and now demote her has left me feeling deeply saddened and profoundly disappointed. This decision feels uninformed about the real day-to-day ins and outs of our school and the true impact it is having, most importantly on our students. What I am witnessing is heartbreaking. Students who once had a safe, trusted adult to turn to each day are struggling. Children who felt secure and supported are now experiencing emotional meltdowns. Without sharing private details, I can say with certainty that the shift in our school climate has been immediately immediate and painful. The consequences are real and they are unfolding before us every day. The school board should care about the

037students and the impact their voice has on them. I simply do not think that is what you as the board are doing. I also want to acknowledge that Mr. Mr. Jones is doing everything he can to support students and staff. He is working tirelessly and doing a superb job under incredibly difficult circumstances. But he cannot do it alone. Removing Mel has created a void that cannot simply be reassigned or absorbed. Those that have helped to supplement in the absence of Mel is amazing. However, they don't have the same rapport that Mel has built over the years with the students. What makes this even harder to understand is that there have been zero formal complaints presented to justify such a severe action. To see someone treated this way without clear cause shakes my confidence, not only

038in this decision, but in what it says about how we value the people who pour their hearts into this district. I have loved working here. I have believed in this district and I have felt I would retire here. But I would be dishonest if I did not say that this situation has caused me to question my future here and my children's future as students in this district. Our children deserve stability. They deserve thoughtful, well-informed leadership decisions. They deserve adults who are treated with dignity and fairness. And our community deserves board decisions that reflect the values that made so many of us fall in love with this district in the first place. I truly hope that moving forward decisions are made with greater transparency, deeper understanding of school level realities, and genuine consideration of student impact

039because right now this does not reflect the district I committed myself to eight years ago. Thank you. >> I agree. >> Is there any other members in the audience wishing to speak on something that is not on tonight's agenda? I'd like to clarify that when you guys came out of close session today, you said that a staff member was being demoted. Correct. I guess that answers that. Even though she said it and mumbled it when she said it, I really feel like you picked the worst day to do that. Put her down while you're lifting everybody else. How inconsiderate not only of her, of them to have to sit here and now listen to us fight for our principal, but not one of you, anybody here, has reached out to all of us parents and

040staff members, community members who have been attending the last three meetings now to address our concerns. You can't even stare at us when we're speaking in the last two meetings. And all of a sudden, when there's a crowd, you want to look up. Yes. Remember, body language is included in the board guidelines. So, with your looks like that, it's not reflecting very well. But do better. At this point, I'm I'm not alone when I say that a notice of intention to petition for removal of specific board members is not going to be going out is definitely going out this week. I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you who have gathered here tonight on my support. I could not convey my appreciation for my support. I did this

041earlier. I wish the remaining staff were here to support, but they're afraid and I understand. I am extremely proud of the job that I did. Thank you, Sean. As principal at Santa Lucia since 2022, although I'm not perfect, I know my performance was more than satisfactory. But since I was demoted, here's what I'm going to tell you. I did. Yes, I said demoted. Thank you, Terry. And shame on the rest of you. I have consistently done my job and I have done it well. I have consistently shown kindness, loving care towards my students, my parents and my staff. My approach has always been to treat everyone under the leadership and compassion of the accountability and accountability. I have enhanced the school culture. I've established site safety for the safety of my kids and my staff.

042Through joint efforts with Miss Hall, we've revitalized our student council. Sorry, this is going to take a minute. Their voices and activities, engagement is on the high. Test scores on the high. SDC 37 points of gain. Our budget in excellent standing successfully met district, state, federal deadlines and I have digulently focused on reducing aptitudedism. Furthermore, the last I'm most proud of is that I have received or exceeded standards on my evaluations. In my 26 years, I have never had a formal complaint or a grievance filed against me. But I do have a board that had a personal agenda and friends in this district. I'm not going to continue on. All I want to say is that if this is what demotion looks like, you're looking at it after everything I have done, I am being

043demoted. And that I will never ever understand because I have shown and proven what I have done in this district. And I'm proud. I have nothing to hide at all. And I assure you that I will stand with my head held high. Do better, King City. Shame on you guys. If there's any other members of the audience, please make your way to the podium. >> Good afternoon. Hi, I'm it's my second time here in front all you and I come to explain again and now I listen everything I know now I want to say something and I have two things maybe uh sounds terrible but something to say in Spanish. And the second one is like I want a persona. Now I listen and feel like these two things is the one that represent now

044the Mr. can't because it's like when person say rumors spray. It's so easy. You cannot stop it. But you have to you have to have um evidence to prove it is real and then take that. Now when I come first I was on nervous. Now I feel nervous because I I was like you are like represent that street some people some important but at the same time it's like you're the people that innocent to crew and listen another things but not listen what the need the kids need. The kids now is like almost the kids think Mr. K is sick or is in vacation. She's back. They say the mothers, the parents, they speak Spanish like me. They never know they something happened with Miss K. When I explain, they say we never knew because

045they never explain us something about what happened. We think it was la vacation for the principal because she was over there when we want to drop up the kids or pick up the kids. She always there with Mr. Jones. Now they don't see her. They say maybe it's vacation. Maybe she's sick. The kids think too. You take something for the school, but you destroy something because now the school is a mess. I know Mr. Jones is doing a great job. But when you marry with a husband and and wife is it's a partate. It's a it's like family. You start with a family. When you take someone a part of your family, the family is not working. It's the same for the Santa Lucia school. If you take something It's like destroy something if you're

046doing the same. I feel that way. I don't know if I explain myself. I know I'm nervous to explain this, but I want to do to do this because at the second time I come here and listen everything you say. I trying to understand what is going on because it's too difficult for me and other parents want to come to listen and try to understand why you take something to resolve something. It's my it's like why you do that? Why you take something when now the school is stopped because it's not principal there they take decisions. It's not principal day uh there when we're going to do it another thing for the school because it's no one to take that decision. And you put in another one start again because this that people is they

047know Santa Lucia in Mske know Santa Lucia much better now. Um the Miss K uh know Miss uh Santa Lucia school now. Oh, okay. >> Yeah, I know. >> Sorry. I know it's it's my second time here. That's why I'm I don't know the rules. That's why I come. But that's all I want to know. Uh I want to explain. But if you take the decision, you have to listen the other people. Okay. Thank you. Is there any other members of the audience wishing to speak on something that is not on tonight's agenda? I've known Mel, Miss Kay, for about 25 years and can speak to her integrity, compassion, and leadership. Mel was brought into my life as Miss Tamz, this inspirational young, vivacious teacher at Greenfield High School. She was the mentor you sought

048life advice from. My junior year in high school, my mom passed away. And on the way home from burying her, my father was involved in a car accident, killing my one and only nephew. Mel rallied around me at a time that I needed it the most. Senior year, fell in love with my husband, got pregnant. Every teacher that I looked up to was very disappointed in me. You I was throwing away my life for a child, right? Mel was the only one on that campus that stood beside me because guess what? She was pregnant as well. And together, she helped me get to graduation and she was always a mentor in my life. When I moved to King City, I was nervous. Where do I put my kids at? There's so many different schools here.

049Greenfield doesn't have that option. Um, and I didn't know where to put her. My brother, who was a teacher at Greenfield High School, was like, "Did you know Mel's going to be the principal at Santa Lucia?" And I was like, "Kucha, really?" "No, I had no idea because I don't have anybody family-wise here to look after my daughter." So, I enrolled her in Santa Lucia because I knew Mel was going to be there. I knew she was going to be safe, taken care of. I had an advocate for my child. I knew if I needed anything, Mel was a phone call away. Um, I enrolled my daughter. Mel was a support system to her. To this day, Mel has been a support system to her. enrolled her in Emily Taverneti's class. Um, that's who I

050chose for her teacher. And then Emily moved up to first grade to be teacher after her kindergarten year. So, I got her there. My information at the office was breached because my another teacher, Stephanie Curo, found out that I requested Emily Tavernetti as a teacher for my daughter for second grade. That information is supposed to be confidential. So, there's other things you guys need to look into going on. But I want you guys to know the Mel Tamis Cooa that you see now is the same woman I've known for the last 25 years. Stand up honest. She's an amazing woman and no matter what happens, she's going to land on her feet. She always has and she always will. Thank you. >> Any other members of the audience wishing to speak on something that's not

051on the agenda? Um, good evening. I'm Amy. Uh, I didn't have anything planned for tonight. I didn't know there was this was going on, but um, I have been at San Lucia for three years and I have been able to work with Miss K for those last three years. Um, she has been an amazing principal in my opinion, in my personal opinion, and my experience there. Um, I work with the SEC department and we do have a lot of challenges there. It's a I awesome job for me. But um those challenges, every time we we would call her, she would always show up. Sometimes she would be in meetings, she would show up for us. Even if it was to bring us chocolate milk because one of our students needed chocolate milk, and that would

052calm her down. Um I don't, you know, I didn't have anything planned today, but I I have had a wonderful experience working with her. She's a great person. I've had my personal um challenges at home with my daughter when she was hospitalized. any emergencies that I had going on, she would say, "Don't worry, your family is first. We have any everything is is settled down here. Don't worry." She would take her personal time of her day to contact me to see how my daughter was doing. And I don't think that just any boss out there does that. Um sometimes typically we just call in and they're like, "Okay, you're not showing up today. That's fine. We'll cover you. That's fine." But they won't take time out of their day to call you or message you

053to see how your daughter is doing. So, I thought that was to me that was awesome from her. And um I'm sorry I didn't have anything planned today, but I just did wanted to come up here and say a few words. And we do miss her. Mr. Jones is doing an awesome job. Um the school does feel different. Um but yeah, we love you. Miss you. And I'm sorry I don't have anything planned today, but thank you. >> Is there any other members of the audience wishing to speak tonight? I haven't had a chance to make it to the last two board member meetings just due to my travel. But the fact that this is the third board meeting addressing this, it is very uh disappointing. I've known at a personal and professional capacity for

054the past four years. Ever since my daughter started school there from kindergarten and from my experience without being biased, she has been a pillar to the school in the community for King City. She has shown complete appreciation for everyone that works there and she does her due diligence and goes above and beyond for everyone not only her personal staff but everyone part of the community and to the fact that she was the one to nominate me as a board member last year. It is very uh disappointing and a hit to the gut knowing the fact that this all unraveled, especially for the time frame of the season that it was. I just really hope that this gets taken care of in the rightful manner and she gets due process and due diligence as far as

055what has happened here. Um I wish to see her back and not to take away from Mr. Jones, but he has done everything in his capacity to do everything he can. But like many have stated before, he's doing two jobs, and I just really wish the best for Miss Kay, and I know she'll keep her head high and and keep on marching forward. Thank you. Good evening. Most of you know me. My name is Missy Rodriguez. I work for this district for 35 years. And it's very disappointing that our board has made a really unprofessional decision. Mel is not just the principal at Sala. I'm the oldest of five and she's my baby sister. I've always held so much pride in all my siblings, but Mel the most cuz she was the youngest of us

056and she took pride in everything she did. My dad always taught us do the best always. Not halfway, but do your best. When I retired, I was told by Jennifer, "You don't know what you have until it's gone." And I know one thing. If Mel leaves, it's you've made a wrong wrong decision because she's the most dedicated person I've ever seen. To her kids and the school, her parents, and most of all, all her staff. She supports them. But I want to say in closing that when people have evil plans, karma comes around sooner or later to those who do evil always to good. It goes farther. And love people, it goes farther. So please board members, everyone deserves a second chance. And please give Miss Cucham, my sister, a second chance, whether she did

057right or wrong. Everyone deserves a second chance. And your minds might be made up already, but please do the right thing. Each and every one of you. You're taking away so much from Santa Lucia and taking away from the kids that matter. each and every one of us have been at this point sooner or later and how much damage it has done not only to the person but her family and close friends around it. They love her and accept her. So in closing, please do the right thing. Thank you. Is there any other members in the audience wishing to speak tonight during public comment? Having no further public comment, we're going to go ahead and close public comment and move on. Uh before we adopted today's agenda, we had made an amendment to it and

058we moved board communication to right after the public comment. So we'll now go ahead and move on to the board communication. Board members, >> thank you. I don't know if it's translated or not, but I have it. So I'm going to read something that I wrote on behalf of myself. Doesn't represent anything with the board, but this is for myself. And I'm going to read it in English and Spanish. It says, "Good evening. I'm going to start this. I want to thank everyone who came out tonight and took the time to speak. We recognize that there are strong feelings in our community and that it comes from caring deeply about our schools. Our focus as a board remains steady our students. Every decision we make is guided by what we believe will support their long-term

059success. Many people see the title board president but may not know the person behind that title. She has served our district for many years with dedication and heart. She helped bring the dual language immersion program to our community, a program that continues to benefit our students today. Her commitment like mine and like this entire board is to do student success. We may not always see every situation the same way. But we are united in our responsibility to serve our students with care and thoughtfulness. Sania is part of my story. Santa. I was a student there. I worked there. I care deeply about the campus and its future. and I will continue to work for the well-being and success of every student child in in this district. Is there any other board members wanting to comment

060or share anything that happened since the last meeting? >> Uh, yes. I would like to share a lot of different things. So, I do want to start with saying that I'm usually a quiet person. People know that, but I know I have new people here. So, usually I'm quiet. I don't say much. And I'm learning that I need to speak up more. And I have the last I guess f this school year I have been uh speaking up speaking a little bit more. Um I would like to apologize to the administrators for not thanking you guys for all that you do for the district. Um because last what was two weeks ago? Yes, two weeks ago um you guys gave us the report on how the school district is doing and I didn't really speak

061much or ask any questions and I do want to say thank you for all that you guys do and for sharing that information. Um and I know I need to work on that. So that's something I need to work on my part. Uh and I also know what it feels like when you don't get thanked for what you are doing. Um, the next thing I do want to say is, um, I haven't been able to go to the school sites because I'm also a teacher, so I have to work with students and I can't be pulled out. The times that I did try, I ended up getting sick, so I couldn't um, actually visit during that week. So, I did visit the school sites today. I did take time off. Um, and what I've noticed

062in every school site is I did notice everyone was doing pretty well. Like I, not that I'm there to observe or anything, but I was I enjoyed going and seeing the students, talking to some of them. Some of them did come up to me and try to ask me, especially in the dual language immersion in English, like why am I there? And I had to explain to them in Spanish, uh, why I was there. Um, so it was nice getting to talk to the lower grades because I teach sixth grade. Um, I mostly saw the lower grades in the elementary because I didn't have enough time to walk around everywhere. Um, in middle school I focused more in science, I believe, and history because the other classrooms were probably testing and I didn't want to

063interrupt during that time. Um, so I will try to make some time to go another time next month so that I get a chance to see all of the classrooms. Um, give me a second because I wrote some notes. I think that's pretty much it. Oh, also thank you to the administrators that walked with me. I know you guys had to get out of your office or anything that you guys had to do. So, I do want to say thank you and sorry again because I told you guys in person uh for walking around with me and so I can visit the classrooms. >> Uh no comment for me at this time. >> Okay. Same. Uh well, because the unification meeting you're going to go ahead and report on that. Yeah. >> Okay. Yeah, >>

064I forgot one thing. >> So, we'll go ahead and um >> hold on. I forgot one one more thing. Sorry. I got to go also to the ELOP classroom. Sorry. Um I forgot about that one. And I did enjoy seeing all the activities that the students were doing and um them explaining what they were doing. So, it was art and I forgot what it's called right now, but what Tresa does. What does she do? Yeah, like crocheting. Um all of those classes. Thank you again for allowing me to see what your students are doing. >> Okay, we'll go ahead and we will close board communication and move on to the superintendent report. >> Since we moved it around on the agenda, there was a second piece. Do you want to address that now or later

065on the interview panel for scholarships? Did you guys go ahead and they already submitted their names, right? So, you just need the people to interview. And now you need the people to interview. >> I had fun doing it last year. So if nobody wants to do it, I can be one of them. >> What date was that again? >> Tuesday morning. Sorry. I guess not. Have you had opportunity to go or >> Yes, I was. both of you. >> I believe I should be able to on the 23rd. So, yes. I can't look at my calendar because it's on my phone. Will everything be over there or do we pick up the packet here? Cuz Terry took it last time, but if we have to come pick it up, I can swing by. >> Yeah.

066>> All righty. Okay. Moving on to superintendence report. So, um, this week we have elementary parent conferences starting tomorrow at all three elementary sites and then it'll be over at Shalom Peaks next week. This evening I wanted to take a chance to um go back and highlight some of those things that trustee Madreal mentioned from two weeks ago that we shared as our LCAP midyear update. And those were highlights of things that have happened here in the district, successes we've had whether it be this year or over time. So some of the things that were shared were our HR department shared that we're fully staffed. We started this year fully staffed with the exception of our music and elementary art um teachers and also our number of fully credentialed teachers has increased. We were excited

067to hear about our nutrition program that healthy uh fruit and snack program that started at KAM last year expanded to Santa Lucia this year and we're hoping to also get the grant to add on Del Rey next year. And then also the fact that we've been able to add some new menu items. Our nutrition services department has tasting sessions with the middle school and the students are able to select uh new items that start appearing on the menus. For the third year in a row as a district, we have not qualified for what the state refers to as differentiated assistance due to our continued improved performance on our dashboard indicators. Our long-term English learners have outperformed the state with 57.6% of them making progress versus 49% at the state level. Our redesated students continue to

068outperform our Englishonly students in English language arts and math. And then last was it just last Friday I believe is when we were able to go to our bright spot celebration which is recognition through the bright futures program. And what Bright Futures does is they look at the data from 2021-22 through 2425 and they are looking for schools throughout the county whose subgroups that they are uh have identified are performing above the county average consistently growing from year to year with never declining more than 2%. Then they uh looking at th they're looking at the equity gaps and those are the groups that they're comparing. So for us as a district as shared two weeks ago, KCAM was recognized in three categories when we went to this celebration. Those were within the area of English

069language arts. And at fifth grade, their all students category, their students uh with our economic disadvantaged students and our students with parent education levels of high school or lower. Between those three different groups, their growth exceeded the county average by anywhere from 11.4% 4% to 29.4% depending on which category we're talking about. And over the four years that were analyzed, KCAM experienced anywhere from 28.25% of growth to 45.45% growth. Over at Santa Lucia, there were four categories within English language arts that they were recognized for. In fifth grade, our students with economically disadvantaged youth scored 10 point 39% higher than the county average. In fourth grade, our three of our student groups scored anywhere from 3.4% to 10.4% higher. And over the four years, their improvement was anywhere from 4.77 to 18% higher. I know

070that's a lot of numbers, but it's pretty exciting. At Shalom Peaks, 7th grade math for our homeless population outperformed the county by 5.35% and has grown by 11.9% over those same four years. As I mentioned two weeks ago, while unfortunately Del Rey was not able to be recognized last week because again you couldn't have a year where you slipped more than 2% and we did have a cohort group that went through Delray and so when they hit fourth grade they slipped and when they hit fifth grade they slipped. And so unfortunately Delray wasn't eligible. However, this past year when you compared all of fourth grade subgroups that were being monitored to the county, Delray also outperformed the county average at fourth grade in all the subgroups that they were monitoring. Our chronic absenteeism continues to

071decrease. Our pam family and parenting events are expanding. Our ELP programs are going growing. So, in addition to these successes, in my four years as superintendent, our team of over 350 employees has accomplished so much. We have significantly expanded our student services department to include family and community services with multiple opportunities for parent engagement and attendance at district-wide events that have exceeded well over a thousand people. We've added a liaison to each school. We've increased student wellness support with enhanced counseling, behavior support, and nutrition programs. Teacher retention is stabilizing with many of the positions being filled by our homegrown talent. Professionals that were born and raised in King City, who just as I did over 30 years ago, are returning to serve their community, the community that supported them and dedicate the dedicate their careers

072to the next generation. We've implemented a teacher support system that values feedback and collaboration on instructional decision and planning, including extensive work focused on standardsbased learning. We've prioritized fiscal solveny, and we've secured the district's physical future by passing two more bonds. We've installed cameras throughout the district, updated our infrastructure, and just completed our first major construction project this past fall and on time over at our King Campus. Uh just another shout out, anyone that's interested in being in the citizen bond oversight committee, check the website. We launched our dual language immersion program and as shared earlier, we're continuing to see those increases in student achievement. When I stepped into the role of superintendent, I shared my commitment to a four-year tenure and was honest and transparent that at the end of four years, my family

073and I would begin considering an early retirement. The role of superintendent comes with many challenges, great responsibility, often a perceived role of authority. And while a superintendent is not a voting member of a governance team, I am a member of the team and I am accountable for implementing the decisions of the team. I came into this position holding strong to my integrity, my strong values around professionalism, respect and compassion for others, whether it be the staff, our team, our parents, and above all our students. And I do intend to complete my career with that same dedication. As I fulfilled that commitment and approach the end of my fourth year as superintendent and 33rd year as an educator in King City, I have made the difficult decision to retire at the conclusion of the 2526 school

074year. As I've said from my first year as superintendent and our celebratory kickoff to the new school year, I believe that we all play a part in igniting the potential for our students. I know that our King City Union School District staff will continue to hold on to that belief and I thank you for trusting me and allowing me to serve my home community. Thank you. >> Any questions or comments? >> No, pretty much um we I've had the opportunity to work with you in different um capacities as my director of special education services. So, thank you for all your time and your hard work here for our district. >> I think that from the getgo, I said that you did a lot of different things that were possibly long overdue in King City. So,

075I will forever be grateful for everything that you did come and and you know, challenge and changed. So, thank you for all your work. I do want to say thank you. I mean, you were part of the panel that hired me as a teacher. You did support me in many ways, but I do want to say thank you for all that you have done for the district. Thank you so much for all your hard work, dedication, and commitment to this district. I have so much more I could say that I would rather say offline. to you personally. Um but here with everybody else, I know that your unwavering commitment to our children starting from teacher and going up the chain hasn't been easy. But um I personally appreciate you the time I've been on here

076on the board and as a newcomer and all the questions I've had, all the struggles I've had in this new role. Um you truly opened my eyes and how great of a responsibility this truly is. and um I came in um being part of this board as the you know honest and most transparent person you will know. So um I thank you for um taking the time to listen to um open your door um anytime anybody at least from the board has needed it. You have been there to listen to our concerns. So I greatly appreciate that. And again um there would be so much more I could say but I'd rather say it to you in person. Um but um on behalf of all of us, thank you. Thank you for all these years

077of service to our district and u we wish you the best. Okay, we'll go ahead and we will move on to reports from administrators. Is there any reports from any of the administrators that you would like to ask questions or make comments on? Just really quick, is Ida here? Okay. Um, just just really quick, um, you had put on your report in regards to elementary students having the opportunity to try a new uh try a new breakfast menu item, which is aros leche. So, is that still a go or what's going on with that one? Says on the 20th. Yes. So, I'm going to be there at 5 o'clock in the morning to just take pictures and videotape him as he's making arosa for the students and we're going to see how that goes. If

078it goes well, the students accept it, then we're going to push it out to the other sites. >> Um, I know that there's a lot of restrictions, you could say, on what it is that we do give our kids. So, is this made like with arrows or this going to be like regular aros or is this like the wheat or brown rice or how is it called? Brown rice. Is it gonna have to be like a special kind of leche? >> No, it's going to be with um white rice and something that's approved by the USDA. So, we're going to try that out. We're going to cut back some of the ingredients that it has in it >> and use a lot. >> That's the best part. Just kidding. >> Agreed. Agreed. But we'll see

079how it turns out and I'll let you guys know and I'll send over some pictures as well. and the response from the kids, their reactions. It was like a ugly face reaction, not a good reaction. >> I'll be there in the morning to make sure I took pictures of the student's reaction. >> And I know I didn't put um the date that I was going to have the taste test. I I was actually waiting for Angel and she agreed to it. So, it's going to be this Friday as well. I do have a sales rep going to come down and introduce some of her new product that she has. So, I'm looking forward to that. About um was the angel like 1:30 2 o' So we'll be going over to CPMS and some food. You

080guys are welcome to stop by. >> Is there any other questions or comments that you have for the administrators or the report submitted? No. Okay, we'll go ahead and we'll move on to the consent agenda. Is there any items that anybody would like to have pulled and discussed separately? >> If not, I'll entertain a motion. >> I move to approve consent agenda as presented. >> Second. All >> in favor? I >> I on to action items. Action item A, consideration and action of unconditional commitment letter under government code section 54960.2 C. The board is consider considering approval of an unconditional commitment letter. The board received a letter alleging violations of the Ralph and Brown Act. The board asserts that no violations of the Brown Act have occurred. The substantial text of this letter comes from

081the Brown Act and is being considered in order to avoid unnecessary litigation and without admitting any violation of the Brown Act. The board remains committed to the following to following the Brown Act. So, I'll entertain any questions or comments. Not I'll bring it back to the board for a motion. >> I move to approve action item A uh consideration of an action of unconditional commitment letter under government code section 54960.2C1. >> I second. >> I action item B approval of CSBA policy updates. Second reading. >> Okay. So, this was brought to you um in our previous meeting. Again, there are some updates that by law uh need to be taken effect by March. So, we had a very short time frame. They're primarily the board policy around response to immigration enforcement. So, this is your

082second reading and brought to you for your approval. >> Is there any questions or comments for section uh for action item B? Having no comments or questions, we'll go ahead and bring it back to the board. >> I move to approve action item B, approval of CSBA board policy update, second reading. >> I second. All in favor? >> I moving on to action item C, approval of ballot vote for CSBA delegate region 10. Okay. So, as you see from the cover sheet, this is approval for the vote for a C your CSBA delegate, Veronica Merantes from the Monterey Peninsula Unified School District. She's the incumbent and the only applicant listed, but still requires your vote for a two-year term. >> Any questions or comments? Hearing none, I'll bring it back to the board for a

083motion >> to approve action item C. Approve of ballot vote for CSBA delegate delegate region 10 for Veronica Montes. >> You second. >> All in favor? >> I I action item D, approval of uh retainer agreement with Wner and O'Reilly immigration lawyers. approval is um for the district to engage with Wilder and O'Reilly to as uh immigration lawyers to help us through the green card process for some of our H-1B staff. And at this time, it's just the agreement with them. There are no um staff members um being up for green card submissions at this point. That would be the next step in the process. >> Any questions or comments? So there's like not a set number of how many individuals we're talking about here? No. Okay. Any other questions or comments? Okay. Go ahead.

084You have a question or comment? Carlos Victoria, classify employee. I just have a question. I was reading through the letter and it's specific about certificated employees. What happened to classify? Question. >> Currently at this time, HR does not have a problem filling positions with US citizens in the classified um unit. So this is just for our our hard to fill positions where we cannot get um we we cannot hire in those positions. So the positions that I'm asking or that we will be looking at at this point in time anyway is for our certificated staff teachers that we cannot fill otherwise. >> Is there any other questions or comments? Quick question and just clarification on that. Like for example down the road like what about for like with the current situation that we're currently living.

085What about our DACA recipients at any point? Is that even a possibility? >> This is only for our H-1B. If people have a green card, this doesn't impact them. This is just to attempt to retain employees that we already have. >> Um I'm sure you guys have all heard getting an H-1B to come into the country today is $100,000 per head per year. the district cannot support that. So to be able to maintain those staff that we have that are on H-1Bs and potentially transition some of those to green cards um is much less than that. It's we're looking at probably 5,000 per person 5 to 7,000 per person versus 100,000 per person per year for the hard to build positions. And again, this was something to my understanding that was brought forth because we

086were having such difficulty recruiting here locally or even why as we were putting it out, we just weren't getting applicants to come in. >> We have a very hard time. The majority of our um H-1B staff right now are special ed teachers. Um we also have um PE, science, language arts. Um it's not to say that all of those positions will be um presented for potential green cards because there is quite an extensive um qualification. If we reach out and get applicants that are qualified in the US, we would not be able to get green cards for those positions. Any other questions or comments? >> Have none. I'll bring it back to the board for a motion. Move to approve action item D. Approve a retainer agreement with Wilner and O'Reilly immigration lawyers. >> Second.

087>> All in favor? >> I Okay, we'll go ahead and move on to Thank you, Wendy. We'll go ahead and move on to action item E. Approval of resolution 202526 10, acceptance of the golden ticket donation program from Taylor Farms. >> This item is brought back to you. We discussed it briefly at our January board meeting and it is the incentive program that Taylor Farms is sponsoring. It's one of many programs that they are implementing to try and um help increase the literacy level of our students by third grade so that all of our third grade students in our county are readers, fluent readers at third grade. So they've supported some teacher professional development programs. They're now investing in parent education at birth to 5 years old. So again, this is just one of many

088of the things that um they are supporting. So as a refresher, this is what they refer to as the golden ticket donation program. And what it does is it provides a financial incentive for every third grader that scores at proficient on in English language arts on the CASP. Now, they did just reach out to us last week to let us know that they now are also including the uh standardized Spanish assessment at third grade. So, as our DLI students move forward, if that is something that we choose to do, which is administrator administrate both the CASP because we have to administer the CASP, we don't have an option. But if we also choose to administer the Spanish assessment to measure their uh proficiency in Spanish, that is also something that can be recognized through this

089program. So it's just recent addition they've added on it for us to participate in this program. We do have the resolution that is attached that would require your approval and the students would be recognized. They take the test in third grade so they're recognized at the beginning of fourth grade and uh the intent is that the assembly obviously in the celebration and at kinder through third grade you're a part of those assemblies so you see what you have to potentially look forward to and work towards. any questions or comments? So the reason why I was kind of wanting to wait on voting was more because I had uh certain questions like for example which you will answer after um is for students with IEPs we are aware that many of them will not reach um

090what is it I can't think proficiency so my question was what about the students with IEPs? Um, you can answer that and then I'll ask the other questions. >> And so again, the only thing that this particular incentive that Taylor Farms is supporting, the only thing that they're recognizing is students that score at proficient at third grade only. >> And then my other questions were how are parents going to be involved in this? So along with the assemblies, lots of communication home to the families. So it would be regular ongoing part of what's discussed each year so that families know that this is coming up and if you partner that with some of the other education that we're doing with our parents on how they can help with ch help their children that would be

091the intent >> and the last question was will students be told before they take the test about >> and the reason why I was asking all these questions is because of the I'm a teacher so I know how it is with students with IEPs and I don't want them to feel like, oh, they're never going to reach or get that incentive. So, I'm very much aware of that. So, but then I'm also in a position where if I vote no, then I remove that uh incentive for other students that could possibly need it for their families. So, I'm kind of in between where I'm not sure. I've thought about it since I had the meeting with Jennifer Taylor and asked these questions just to look into it. Well, that's what makes it a little bit

092hard for me to vote yes, but then also vote no. So, it's very complicated for me right now because as a teacher, I have to think about those students that I have that I know do struggle academically. And it doesn't mean they're not capable. They are. I've had many students with an IEP that improve academically on the state test. So that's why I kind of had those questions and I wasn't sure how to vote last time we brought this up. No, I I appreciate you sharing all that because I was in a similar situation, not necessarily with the um the removal of the incentive and what it could do for the student and the family, but more of that type of incentive being something and I don't want to say like not promoting it because

093it's an incentive, so it's it's supposed to be for the good, but you know what what it could also bring as far as a negative impact for like the students that might not be you know, being proficient, it does it send a subliminal message to them, even though we're not intending to send a message. So, anytime that there's like money tied as an incentive for performance and education or academics, I I kind of have a hard time for it, you know, but um but I I understand where you're coming from, Wendy. So, just to let you know, it's a little bit challenging for me, too, as far as that being the incentive and just sending the wrong message, not meaning to, but It's it's I I understand you. Any other inputs or anybody else wanting

094to share? So, I'll just bring it back to the board for a motion. >> I move to approve action item E. Approval of resolution 2025 2610 acceptance of the golden ticket donation program from Taylor Farms. >> I um No. With that, we move on to information items and our unification update. >> Okay. So, you've heard us talk about the potential unification for several months now, and Vina and I have recently attended the second meeting of the what I've been calling the subcommittee at the county level, which is made up of the three superintendent, Greenfield Union School District, South Monterey County Joint Union High School District, and King City Union School District. our county superintendent of schools, the three board presidents of those districts, um, uh, council, legal counsel for each, and then a representative, the

095chair of the county committee on school reorganization. So again, as a quick recap, in Greenfield Community, um, has been pursuing unification with Greenfield High School for about 10 years now. And at this past November, at the state board of education meeting, the state board of education ruled for the decision on whether or not that unification could go forward, come back to the county level, and that the county committee work with all three districts to come up with a plan for how to move forward. So, that's what these meetings have been about. And at these meetings so far, um there have been a few things that have been covered. The meetings have looked at the planning timelines as well as scheduling several meetings between now and April because a plan must be submitted to the state

096by May 1st to be in their be on their agenda for their July meeting which is what the state has directed them to do as far as timeline. So, so far the committee has looked at if this were to proceed um how would the new governing be board be elected? how many members would be on the new governing board for unified districts. Um the decision at the moment the recommendation is that we continue with five member governing boards. Again, these are all recommendations, not final decisions. Um that the election of the governing board and whether or not we actually do unify would be on the same ballot. And the first question would be about unification. And it's at that point u this again is assuming that the state board has approved that this moves forward.

097It's at the point that it goes before the voters that the voters ultimately decide yes or no whether or not unification would proceed and then the election of the new governing boards board members for the those new governing boards. You then would have a window of time from at that point until when unification actually happens. Uh some of the timelines that have been thrown out there would be the election of March of 2028 with an implementation of new districts with the 2930 school year. So you have a window of time between an election and when the new school district would open where you have multiple governing boards working because our district would still be operating and then you'd have the new unified board and that new unified board has to then um go down the

098road of negotiations with the bargaining units, setting salaries, hiring for positions if needed, reducing positions which um there are restrictions on what can be reduced immediately, what might be reduced over time um as well as obviously lots of decisions in regards to financial impact property for example. Um, so this evening we've asked our attorney, we do have legal representation and so last month you approved our contract with our expansion of our contract with the affirm DWK that represents us in our bond measure and this evening we have our legal counsel William Tunik is here and we asked him to come to be able to speak with you further, speak with our community further and give us some of his thoughts, what he sees and help us understand how this process might proceed. So, William, I'll

099let you take it from there. >> Great. >> Thank you. It's good to be here. Nice to meet all of you. Uh, as the superintendent mentioned, um, the district has asked us to represent the district in this process, uh, both to help provide information to you and to the community and also to, uh, participate in the discussions with the other school districts and the county office as this process moves forward. Uh, I've been involved in a number of these reorganizations and what I can tell you is that none of them are the same. Um, all of these very much depend on the communities that they're in. In this case, we have multiple communities involved and there's always different issues and these things and to be honest, they take a while. Uh, and this is obviously

100no different. Just to kind of give you some context here, at the I think it was the county committee meeting this last uh two weeks ago, the attorney for the county council, who I know has been doing this for a very long time and has worked across the state, one of the county board members asked her if she had ever seen anything like this unification process where it is right now, and she essentially said no. That this is even even unique among what everybody has seen across the state. And so I think that just goes to um the need to really have a deliberate approach to considering what the impacts this is not only going to be on the Greenfield community where a lot of the emphasis has been to date but also on the

101King City community. Um and I when talking to the superintendent I think coming into this at this point in the process what I've noticed is it's almost like um there's been a train that's been kind of gathering momentum for 10 years as Greenfield has moved through this and and I know there's a lot of reasons a lot of interest in doing it. Um and then at the November state board meeting, state board essentially said, um we'd really like this to be a green a King City thing as well and essentially brought you on board that train that was already moving at full speed down the track. Um, and I think we're trying to get our hands and and get the county committee and the other districts to realize that this is now not only just

102about the impact on one community, but the impact on at least two communities and what are the potential concerns and other things that we need to make sure that um are not going to have impacts on this district and this community going forward. Um there's a lot of things that reorganizations of a district because you're not only talking about changes in potentially programs, but you're talking changes in organizations and people, funding, facilities, all kinds of different things that get wrapped up in reorganizations. I think the primary ones here is uh the superintendent kind of alluded to is um some personnel pieces, some some compensation, not necessarily compensation, just financial pieces that are hard to always predict in the future. And so I think what we're going to be looking at as I move forward with

103the district on this process is making sure that we're protecting the district going forward. We want to be good neighbors. We want to be good partners as this moves forward. But we also want to make sure that this process is about both communities and both unifications, not so much one over the other, which is I think kind of just because of the way that this initiated. That's really been more of the discussion at least from what I've seen so far. Um so that's what we're going to be um doing. I think as superintendent mentioned this these working groups or subcommittee meetings will be continuing over the next few weeks. Um myself and the attorneys for the other districts are going to be a little bit more involved as we move forward as we start getting

104into the nitty-gritty of of what actually might occur and then that would go to the county committee actually first which is also the county board of education in this case. they have to make um under actually it was interesting at the last meeting they one of their board members specifically asked basically why is the state board making this our problem I'm paraphrasing but I well not by much actually I think he almost said that um and essentially what the attorney said is under the ed code and there's again this provision we don't get very often there's an ability for the state board to provide direction to a county committee to provide plans and recommendations on reorganizations which is the general term for any sort of thing like um of school districts in the county. And

105in this case, the state board essentially authorized that authority back in November when they directed the county committee to do this. So, in a sense, the state board basically kicked it back to the county and said, "You figure it out. Bring us a plan so that we can approve or disapprove uh next year." So, they made it the county committee's problem. Um, and I think the county committee's hope is that the districts can work together to figure out the parameters for what that plan would look like so that they can approve it and send it up to the state board and then as a superintendent mentioned there would be an election. when that is uh could depend on several factors and so we don't know that yet but obviously kind of in the middle of

106that process and so wanted to provide that update tonight just kind of my perspective coming into this and see if there's any questions um from the board that I could answer any other information I can share >> so we have heard time and time again how unification has happened in other areas and they have succeeded but you just mentioned right now that on your previous meeting they had said well that person had said well I haven't encountered one like this one um is that in regards to be because of our feeding districts that makes it different compared to other unifications or where do you think that thought process came from? >> No, I think there there's two things here that are a little bit unique um and they're related. One is this the dual unification

107that's going on where you have where you essentially we've started with one unification petition. The idea of is originally just a unified green field and that has become two unifications. So the idea that you've got two of these going on at the same time doesn't happen very often. Also in my experience and I think the other attorneys would say the same thing generally speaking where you see elementary school or union or elementary districts unifying it's because it's the it's the elementary school that is looking to unify essentially to usually either build or control a high school. that. So essentially what Greenfield's motivation is, you see that across the state, that's pretty common. You don't usually see sort of the opposite thing happening where it's that the impetus for that unification is not coming from the

108elementary school district, but from some other reason, which is essentially what you have here. I would like for them to know too, we had briefly um had talked about you had mentioned um voting dates and all that and it's just how um and I'll bring it up again. It's just how we know it's going to happen and we're not we haven't been asking for it to be pushed back 10 20 years. It's going to happen, but um obviously we know um the financial issues, the burdens that that the district has had and um trying to aim more for the 2030. um right now I believe on the books is they're trying to aim for 2028 so far to my understanding is they're trying to aim for the 2028 election yet they don't pay off their

109loan and all that till 2029 when this should be kicking off. So my thing um obviously because you all are meeting and trying to put all your ducks in a row is just really trying to convey um the importance of you know can we even if it's we're not asking for too much instead of 2028 moving this over to 2030 and you are done paying that part and at least that burden will be taken care of uh before moving on forward. Um, so I just wanted to ensure that we do have knowledge of once this is all said and done like this is our game plan of what we're presenting over to on this meeting and to see if they're in agreeance with it and if they would actually not I don't say that they

110want to be persuaded or convinced but just see how this would benefit both actually all three because we're talking about high school possibly being alone us and Greenfield. So just the the benefits it would have all three >> of these um districts. >> Yeah. I think when it when it comes to timing, so there's a couple of things. The the effective date of a unification can't occur until the January one following the election. So that's always going to be essentially a year behind the election dates. And when you're talking about election dates, um generally the county office is going to prefer even years because the election costs are cheaper if they run on election. And also you get more turnout in those elections than you do if you do a special in 27 or 29.

111So, I think there's a kind of a couple of options there, but as you bring up, we've also got the I bank loan that's sitting out there that I believe is not going to be paid off. I think the final payment is in 29. So, that may be a reason to look at something past that. That's a little bit in the hands of the high school district to some extent. So, we've got to have that negotiation. But, I think these are all points that we can bring back um to the group now that we're we're kind of getting up to speed on this or I'm getting up to speed on anyway. um and uh and and raise those points and see if we can move that forward because I think ultimately they just want to

112know that it's going to happen from the Greenfield perspective is my sense. Uh whether or not it's a timing thing, I think that's one thing we can we can talk about. And you know, I think just to provide some context, I know they've already talked a little bit about election dates. This thing is sort of um you know, I think coming out of that that state board of education meeting, this thing took a sharp left turn um and then really sped up pretty quickly. So, I think it's fair for us to come in and say, you know what, we're we want to be good partners, but we also need to take a little bit of time and make sure that we've got a full understanding of how this is going to impact our community and

113and here's some of the concerns and things that we're thinking about. How can we incorporate this into into the plan? So, and the timing is going to be a big one of those. >> Any other questions or comments, audience? I mean, I' I sit on this committee, so I I I'm pretty up to date with the information, and I agree. I feel like, if I'm honest, it's it's more of a just a dog and pony show. Like, it's already a done deal. We're just showing up and basically the three districts are being told more or less of the time frame. Um, I do think that maybe we can throw in another, you know, suggestion on dates and I think because ultimately it would benefit the idea of of waiting a couple more years ideally would

114be to benefit all three districts but at least two of the three right now I don't see and that would be us and the high school wouldn't be necessarily opposed to it obviously one we're being dragged into something that's already in action and then two the high school was also just dragged into it they didn't ask for it but because they're the ones that are sitting in limbo depending on which way this goes. Um they're the ones that possibly have the most negative impact. Um but throwing you know those that extension of dates I don't think would would hurt us at this point. It's it's like you said we we kind of came into this discussion late and since we've been involved even even you mentioned it yourself that there's been very little conversation about

115us and the impact it has for us and I mean that's significant if you're coming into representatives and you're even shocked about how little we've been included in this kind of mo movement. So, um, ideally I'm I'm not against the 2030 vote and then that would push, you know, the start of the unified district to the 203031 year. Um, but that's also just allowing that vote to happen so that the both communities decide. That's just my two cents. Um, does anybody else want to share their input? Yes. So, I think the there may be a question about whether or not it's one or two separate elections. The county's position so far is it should be one, but I think both would have to occur at the same time. Um, if if for no other reason

116than you would I think the law requires it. I think you'd also have some logistical issues if you had offset elections and we didn't know exactly what was going on with the second one. So, I'm pretty sure it has to be all at the same time. >> Okay. Is there any other questions or comments? Thank you for your time. >> Thank you everyone. Our next regular board meeting is Tuesday, March 10th. As of now, the board is going to go back into close session. Is there any other announcements? No. Thank you for joining us.