001Okay, it is ready to call the regular meeting of the board of education for the Martinez Unified School District board to order. It is uh May 19th and it's 7:15 p.m. Can I have you, Lizzy, for the last time lead us in the pledge of allegiance? Do we have any changes to the agenda? There are no changes. Do I have a motion? I'll move to approve the agenda. Seconded. Student rep. I. All those in favor? I. So moved. First we have um highlights and recognition. Martinez Unified School District retiree recognition. Janelle. Good evening. Um it's my pleasure tonight to um honor and recognize several of our district retirees. Um we have um five individuals that we're recognizing tonight. Um although there are several more who are retiring this year but were not able to join
002us tonight. Um the first retiree is Lillian Sevilla. You want to come on up. [Applause] Lillian Lillian um served Martinez Unified for 32 years. Miss Lillian Sevilla came to Martinez Unified in 1992. While she has held various positions over the years and seen many changes, through it all, she always maintained a strong dedication to supporting our families, our students, and our staff. Miss Sevilla had a has a kind heart, a collaborative spirit, and true care for the well-being of all. Families often speak of her professionalism, her selfless efforts to support them, and her infectious smile. We thank Missia for her years of service measured by the hundreds likely thousands of lives she has touched. We hope she's enjoying her new title of grandma to the max. And we remind u her that she will always
003have a special place in our hearts. Congratulations on your return. Thank you. Um next I'd like to invite Pam Plato up. [Applause] Miss Plato retired with 40 years of service to Martinez Unified. Uh the staff of Martinez um Junior High School would like to congratulate Miss Pam Plato on her retirement. Miss Plato worked as a PAR educator for MUSD since 1984 and started at the junior high in 2015. Miss Plato ed thousands of students in her time as well as countless teachers. While she is missed, we wish her well and nothing but the best. Congratulations on your retirement. Next is Kristen Bleachi. Kristen is retiring with 24 years of service to Martinez. It's shiny, isn't it? Um, if you've ever stepped into the vice principal's office, you felt the calm, steady presence of Kristen Blakey.
004Kristen is the kind of person who makes everything run smoothly, not because she seeks the spotlight, because she simply knows how to get things done and done so with grace, kindness, and quiet strength. Kristen began her service with Martinez Unified in 2001 and later became the vice principal secretary at Alhhamra High School in 2010 where she quickly became an indispensable part of the team. She was the VP's right hand and backbone of the office coordinating testing, graduation, caps and gowns, diplomas, and registration events with incredible attention to detail and an unmatched ability to pivot at a moment's notice. No two days were the same, but Kristen could adjust course instantly, keeping everyone on track and never missing a beat. She had a hand in almost everything that keeps a school running. Yet, she always carried
005herself with humility and warmth. No matter how hectic things got, Kristen was kind. She greeted staff, students, and families with patience and professionalism, making even the most stressful tasks feel manageable. Her calm presence brought reassurance, and her deep knowledge made her the go-to person for just about everything. Kristen made a demanding job look easy. Whether she was fielding calls or supporting students, staff, or parents, Kristen did it all effortlessly. Her legacy isn't just in the work she accomplished. It's in how she made people feel supported, seen, and valued. Kristen Bleachi has been a cornerstone of Martinez Unified in Alhamra High School. We are incredibly grateful for the time, energy, and heart Kristen has poured into this community. Her impact will be felt for years to come, and we're thrilled to celebrate all she has accomplished
006as she begins this exciting new chapter. And Kristen, I don't know who's going to handle graduation after I go because it was you and me forever. And next, we're honoring Mr. Jerry [Applause] Weiner. The district is so kind to let me read my love letter to Jerry. I first met I first met Mr. Weer in 1994 at an Alhhamra play that they were doing at Mela Park because the school was brand new. AHS drama had traveled to the new stage. The boy I was dating in my senior year was in that play. I have no idea what it was about, but I remember meeting this drama teacher and thinking what a cool teacher he was. And when I made it back to Alhamra as a substitute in 2000, my opinion was immediately reinforced. Jerry was
007still that cool teacher. His classroom was under the stairs of the F building in this kind of hobbit hole of a classroom. He had created a whole world for his drama kids. By the spring of 2003, I was teaching choir and we had the opening of the performing arts building. Instead of shows in the library and band in the commons, we had a huge, beautiful theater and created our first review. Since 2003, we have been working together as a dynamic duo with so many amazing, talented friends, colleagues, and our drama family. Even though the years even through the years I was teaching in other districts, Jerry let me come home for the fall play and spring musical every single year. Countless days in auditions, years of rehearsals, travels all over creation for that perfect prop,
008including a huge camel. We have dealt with COVID shutting down guys and dolls, Jerry's hideously broken elbow that took him out of commission for seven months, a 2,000galon flood on the front of our stage, and too many belly laughs to even begin to count. I have lovingly called Mr. Mr. Weiner, my work husband, through all of these years, and I deeply love you. I have learned to say yes at every opportunity and how to create a beautiful, kind, safe world for our students and our haven called the PAB. I have loved treading the boards with you these 22 plus years, Jerry, and I cannot thank you enough for teaching me the true meaning of having heart. 38 years of teaching, 31 of those years at Alhhamra, and a lifetime of positively affecting teenagers and their
009families. Thank you for being a champion of the arts, the school experience, and human kindness. You are an inspiration. I love you. [Applause] And and thank you, Scott, for sharing him all these years. We love you, too. Thank you. And our last honore is Hannah Rossi. You're gonna sit. No. No. Get [Applause] up. Stand right there. And I'm not going to look at you. Okay. Finally, we are honoring and celebrating a remarkable career of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to this community. Helen Rossy began her career in Martinez Unified in January 1994 as an eighth grade math teacher at Martinez Junior High. Over the span of more than 30 years in Martinez, Helen has held almost every administrative position in the district, including vice principal, principal, director, assistant superintendent, and CBO until 2022 when she
010was appointed as our superintendent. Helen demonstrates a tireless work ethic and has led with integrity and compassion throughout her career. Earlier this year, Helen shared with AXA that her proudest accomplishment was that no matter what I was faced with, I was consistent with decisions and never lost sight of who I am, why I was there, and the job I had to do. Under Helen's leadership, we navigated CO 19, completed the design and build of three brand new elementary schools, modernization of the fourth elementary school, and the passage of me measure O, which will fund construction and renovation projects across the district. Beyond policies and facilities, Helen is a trusted colleague, a mentor to many, and has been a steady hand through times of difficulty and change. She has modeled what it means to lead with
011heart. Thank you, Helen, for 31 years of exceptional service. Your legacy of leadership and commitment to this community will live in every classroom and life you've touched. We wish you joy and fulfillment as you are able to spend time with your mom, siblings, and growing family. You will always be a bullpup and bard of Martinez unified. [Applause] Congratulations to all the retirees and thank you all so much for all your hard work and dedication over the years. It's amazing to hear how long everyone has been here and um we were so honored that you've been here and we're certainly going to miss each and every one of you and especially Helen just because she does so much for our district. So congratulations again. and I hope you all enjoy your retirements. Next, we have comments
012from our student representative. Yes, my last one. Loses Elementary first graders had a great time at the Cal Academy of Sciences this past Friday. Thank you to all of the parent volunteers for making it a great trip. Lois Elementary students finished their CASP testing last week. Lois Elementary is so proud of all the students who were celebrated at the MUSD reclassification ceremony last week. Cece ped Losas Elementary fifth graders will participate in the yearly derby this week. We are eager to see whose car will win. Los Angeles Elementary's first and second grade musical is this Thursday and the carnival will be held this Friday starting at 5:30 p.m. John Mir Elementary second graders performed a theatrical musical called Go Fish. It was full of laughter and singing. Fifth graders built race cars that moved fast
013with New Leaf Collaborative. It was an unforgettable derby. The first grade students butterflies hatched from their chrysalis. It was a sight to see. All the students were overwhelmed with joy. One class took their butterflies to the community garden and released them. John Mir Elementary self-care fair is Wednesday, May 21st from 5:30 to 700 p.m. John Mir Elementary talent show is May 30th from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. The Smart Professor Assembly is May 27th and the movie night is May 30th at 6:30 p.m. John Sweat Elementary 4th grade struck it rich with their Gold Dust or Bust performance. All grade levels showed off their fabulous voices and rocked the house for their vocal music year end celebration. First graders learned all about pollination from the Heather Farm onsite field trip. The talent show is May
01430th. Field day is June 3rd and the fifth grade promotion is on June 5th. On Monday, May 12th, Mela Park Elementary held their Gamlan assembly where the students were exposed to traditional Balines music and dance. The Gamlan club also The Gamlan Club also performed. On Thursday, May 15th, the fourth grade class went on a field trip to explore the Blackhawk Museum. On Friday, May 16th, the fifth grade class performed their class play based on the book Wonder. Wednesday, May 21st is teacher for a day. Tuesday, May 27th, is the fourth grade play. And Friday, May 30th, is field day. From Martinez Junior High School, congratulations to the 22 MJHS music students and Mrs. Flansbomb who performed at the Forum Festival at Ohalone College on Friday. Forum festival scores and awards are based on a national
015level and criteria where the first period intermediate orchestra and fifth period concert band earned silver the top 20% of ensembles in the country. And the sixth period concert band earned the very first gold in MJHS history top 10% of ensembles in the country. The sixth grade bull pups visited the garden last week where the day supported what they have been discussing in class, structure and function and relating that to plants. Students were also able to sample some of the plants they planted back in February. Thank you to MJHS leadership for hosting the spring dances last Friday where the bullpups had a ton of fun. Congratulations to the golf and track teams who have had a great season and will be wrapping up this week. May 20th is the school site council meeting at 3:15 p.m.
016and the orchestra spring concert at 6:30 p.m. May 21st is the 8th grade visit to AHS and the band spring concert at 5:30 p.m. May 23rd to 26th is the Memorial Day holiday, so there will be no school. And May 30th is the sixth flag strip and day on the green. Conga congratulations to the Alhhamra High School Jazz Band, Orchestra, and Concert Band on their spectacular final performance and an outstanding 2024 to 25 season. Their talent, dedication, and passion for music truly shined on the stage. Bravo to all. Alhamra baseball and softball are both headed to the playoffs. Baseball will play against Liverour at 5:00 p. p.m. on Wednesday in their first round game. Our number four seed division three softball team has earned a buy and won't play until the quarterfinals either Friday or
017Saturday. Mr. Alhhamra brought the laughs, the dance moves, and more dad jokes than a family barbecue. Our seniors upheld this loved tradition with style and heart. Due to the short week, we have a modified bell schedule. Tomorrow, Tuesday, is an odd block day. Wednesday, is an even block day and the eighth grade visit to AHS. And Thursday, is a rally schedule. Friday, there's no school. Scholarship and awards night is May 27th. The athletic awards night is May 28th. Seniors leave for Disney on Thursday, May 29th, and return on Saturday, May 31st. At Vicente Martinez and Rion's independent study, Ms. Burner attended the county office of education's all day wellness in school symposium where she collaborated with many schools in the country in the county to share resources and interventions. Ms. Omali met with the HS
018administration and counseling teams to discuss students transitioning back to AHS in the fall from Bionis and Vicente. The Navy visited Vicente and Bionis last week and set up anformational table where students could ask recruiters questions and gather information. Vicente students are taking a field trip to John Mir Elementary School where they will be working in the TK class. The site council meeting is on May 22nd and the end of the year barbecue for Vicente and Brion students is on May 27th. One of the Martinez adult education high school equivalency graduates for 2025 who is now attending DVC has been accepted to UCLA for the fall of 2025. He came to the US from the Gambia West Africa in April 2022. On Monday, May 12th, Toro School of Pharmacy had current students in their pharmacy program
019and graduates from the program present to the pharmacy technician training program boot camp. The students were able to ask questions of the panelists and hear the stories of how they went from pharmacy technicians to pharmacists. On Wednesday, May 21st from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. is the Martinez Adult Education 26th International Fair. And on June 9th, a new co coho cohort for the medical skills and jobs readiness pre-apprenticeship program will start. As a reminder, all school sites will be closed Friday and Monday. Happy Memorial Day, everyone. And additionally, as this is one of our last meetings before the end of the school year, congrats to all of our students. You've almost made it. Thank you to all of our teachers and staff. You've made this possible. Good luck to everyone with finals and have a
020fantastic summer vacation. Thank you. Anything else to add? That's it. So, um, Lizzie's being very shy, but she received, um, at the spring concert, each class, uh, voted on, um, a student that they gave an award to, and probably you can explain it better than I can, but, um, Lizzie won for concert band. So, congratulations on that. And yes, and next we have, um, recognition of our outgoing student representative. So Lizzy, your turn. So at this time, I'd like to extend my deepest gratitude to Lizzie McCaulay for her exceptional service as the 2425 Alhhamra High School student board representative. Over the course of this school year, she has brought an authentic and articulate student voice to our discussions, helping to ensure that the needs, hopes, and challenges of her peers were not just heard, but
021truly considered. Her commitment and thoughtfulness have left a lasting impression not only on me and this board, but on the broader school community. She approached every meeting with maturity and insight well beyond her years, and I am truly confident that the impact of the experience she brought here will be felt in positive ways long after her term ends. Thank you, Lizzy, for your time, your voice, your dedication, and I wish you the best in in your next chapter. And I know that you will continue to lead with the same passion and purpose wherever you go. and whatever you choose to do. So with that [Applause] So, Lizzy Helen, I'm sure would love for you to open that package and tell us what you got. For everybody who's online or can't see, it's a sweatshirt for
022Northern Kentucky University, which is the college that I'll be attending in the fall. Thank you very much. Now, it said small, but that is not small. So, you may have to take that back when you get there because I am not sending it. It's okay. I'll just throw it in a hot load in of laundry once and then it'll be all good. Look at you already knowing about your own laundry. This is amazing. But of course, you do. And I just wanted to add that Lizzie is the only student board rep we've ever had who actually reads the agenda and actually catches mistakes before and after uh things that some of the board members don't even necessarily catch. So, you truly were an asset and we will definitely miss you and good luck and we
023know you'll have to come back and visit us, but I'm sure we'll hear about you from your mom and and other people in the community. But congratulations again. Thank you. Next, we have introduction of our incoming student representative. Hard act to follow, but I know you're going to do great also. So, so I I can't see you because you're behind the podium. There you go. So, this is a little bit shorter because we haven't gotten to know you yet, but we're working on that. And um so, I'd like to welcome Matthew U. Shik, correct? Uh to the MUSD school board. Matthew will be a senior at Alhamra next year. and he's very excited as you see because this is what your third board meeting that you've attended now three and a half maybe. Yeah. Yeah.
024So, um he'll he's excited to take his seat on the board for next year. He's a solid AP student because I looked today through everything. He's a mock trial participant in what I hear an excellent uh prosecutor. Right. Yes. And he is an athlete on the Alhambor cross country team. He'll begin his adventures on the board at the second meeting in August. You don't have to come to the first because you're still on vacation then. Okay. Um after the start of school. So, welcome Matthew. And um we have a few treats for you. You don't get a sweatshirt because you're still at Alhhamra, but as he towers over you. And just like a year ago, he was much I think it was a year, right? Yeah, he sprouted like a foot. Um, okay. Next, we
025have employee organization reports. Do we have anything from the Martinez Education Association? No. Okay. How about the um California School Employees Association? Nope. Okay. All right. Comments from the PTA. Yes. Oh. Oh, there we go. Um, where was I? Um, parents, parents that give thousands of hours um back to our schools in the form of PTA. um they're not done yet. Um I'm not going to repeat it all because Lizzie covered it all, but um almost every single one of those year-end activities that's taking place on our campuses is either sponsored or co-sponsored or shephered by our PTAs in some way, shape, or form. Um including financially. So, um on behalf of the community, I'd like to thank everybody for that. And last but not least, I'd want to share this and I will share
026this again next Tuesday evening at the award and scholarship night at Alhhamra. But I want to take the opportunity to thank the community far and wide. Not everybody attends or has benefit of seeing the awards and scholarship night that's put on by the high school. It's an amazing evening recognizing our graduates that have taken the time to um submit scholarship applications to dozens of community um programs that give back I think tens of thousands of dollars in the form of scholarships including PTA council. This year on behalf of the six count or six school sites PTAs, we have collected and will be donating back $11,500 in the form of scholarships back to graduating seniors who applied for that scholarship. And tonight, because I was fortunate enough to have somebody put a little bug in my
027ear, um I understand that Lizzy will not be able to attend the scholarship evening next Wednesday night. So on behalf of the council of PTAs, I'd like to award you with your scholarship um from the council of PTA. So congratulations. [Applause] And last but not least, not affiliated with it, um Helen kind of took a lot of what I was going to say on behalf of the parents, teachers, and students, but Lizzie, you have done an amazing job representing not only students, but you gave voices to parents and teachers through some pretty difficult times this year. And you have handled you handled it with grace and the highest level of maturity. some of us that sit have been sitting through these meetings, we forget that you're a senior in high school and you have done
028an amazing job representing all of us. So, um hopefully a lot of pe we can take lessons learned a lot of us from what you've done here in this room this year and congratulations to you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Todd and PTA for all you've done for the school. Let's see. Next, we're on to staff reports, superintendent report. So, tonight I'm going to talk about um an experience I had last Friday. So, last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the Melo Park fifth grade performance of R.J. um Palasio's novel Wonder, the story of a 10-year-old homeschooled Auggie who was born with facial differences who is attending public school for the first time. The story is told from the perspective of Auggie um via other characters allowing readers to see the different sides
029of the or the different sides of the story and the impact their actions have on others. The play explored themes of kindness, compassion, empathy, and the importance of accepting others for who they are regardless of their differences. It also tackled the issues of bullying, highlighting the hurtful effects of prejudice and how it can impact in individuals. Wonder is a powerful story that emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and kindness, and it encourages young ones to think about how they treat others and the impact their words and actions can have. The best part about it is its message, choose kind. It reminds us that we don't always know what someone else is going through and being kind can make a big difference in their life. It also shows how friendship, courage, and understanding can help us
030grow. This was a great choice for a fifth grade play with a great message for the students to take with them as they move on to middle school. Congratulations to all the students and the staff for a job well done. Thank you, Helen. Um, do we have any board reports? You may. I wanted to say this before because sometimes our crowd doesn't last the entire meeting. Um, some of you might know that Thursday night Martinez Chamber of Commerce is doing citizen of the year awards. our own superintendent was nominated for woman of the year and they'll be announcing the uh the that Thursday night at the event. You won't want to miss it. It's um you can get a ticket if you want to at the best of martinez.com. Thank you for sharing that. Um
031any board reports? Logan, you attended the multicultural at Elhhambor High School. Oh yeah, it was a great event. Um, it was fun. Uh, that night was, uh, pretty interesting. You got to see all the different grades and all the kids come up, some being a little bit more nervous than others. Uh, but the people that put it together and, uh, Silva was there as well. Uh, and she was recognized for all her many years of great work. So, uh, and I think Helen, you were were there too as well. So, uh, I almost didn't make it there, but I'm glad I did. And it was great to parents and kids come together. Thank you for attending that. Um and then uh Courtney and I attended the uh facilities meeting this past week and we had
032a good turnout from the community as well as um the different uh schools. Um so that was uh a lot was accomplished and Andy will have his work put together because he got lots of suggestions uh for that. So um we're just focusing on uh the new bond money. All right, Tanya, I'd just like to add real quick. Um, just so everybody does know, there is angel food cake in the back with strawberries and whipped cream. Feel free to take some now or before you leave. But I just wanted to put that out there. Now you tell us and be Oh, you got one. Okay, cool. Awesome. Well, thank you very much. I'm sure that was homemade by you. Of course. Yes. We wouldn't expect anything less. Okay. Amazing. Um, I just want to clarify
033something. Courtney said that Helen was nominated, but what she did not say is that she actually did the nominating on behalf of the board. So, thank you, Courtney, for doing that because we're all so proud of Helen getting another well-deserved recognition this year. Okay. Next, we have public comments. Under government code 54954.3, members of the public have the right to address the board on any matter within the board's jurisdiction. However, the board may not take action on any non-aggenda item. Individual speakers will be allowed three minutes to address the board. 20 minutes have been allocated for this portion of the agenda. Additional time is allowed at the end of the meeting if there was not enough time to speak during public comments. We have a couple today. Um, my auntie Beck, you're going to want
034to pull the microphone down towards you, honey. Right here. On January 27th, I have pictures of me and a classmate. And on February 10th, me and this classmate were texting and On that same day, we had called each other with me and my other friend. This classmate said, "I have been bullying her since January. I have been accused of slamming her head against a hard surface, kicking her, burping in her ear, and pulling her hair and so much more. Me and this classmate used to be friends, but now she has been accusing me of bullying her. We have been told to stay away from each other, but she keeps walking by. If I was really bullying her, why would she keep coming next to me? that makes me feel confused and uncomfortable. And I'm starting
035to feel like people in my class and the school are judging me and think that I'm a bully. I just want to be left alone and this to be over. I hope maybe me and my other friends and classmate can have a good bond and maybe someday me and this classmate can be friends again. Thank you all for listening. Thank you very much. Peeler Duncan. Hello. How's everybody doing? Um, okay. My name is Polar Duncan and I am my cousin. I am here as an educator to discuss the importance of social emotional learning and bullying prevention. When a conflict arises in the classroom, collaboration between parents, guardians, and staff is encouraged. In this case, I want to discuss the importance of parental collaboration in the face of bullying allegations. Researchers made a bullying prevention model
036that emphasizes this fact. This model is called bullying prevention and and the parent involvement model. Excuse me. This article states that parent involvement that addresses child bullying behaviors is seen as critical in helping to prevent bullying behavior in school systems. Research has found that parent meetings and trainings providing parents with information in parent teacher conferences are associated with reductions in bullying at school. The teacher has had meetings with Miami's mom. Information about the allegations has been provided, but the parents have not had a meeting to discuss what is going on. The parent of the accusing child is declining to meet with Miami's mom. I believe in the importance of fostering an environment that encourages students to learn collaboration, problem solving, and teamwork. Children learn this behavior with the support of the adults who model it.
037I believe that the solution to these allegations needs to be childc centered. The accusing child's mother has posted about the bullying online. She told her daughter to cause a scene if my bothers her. According to Mayani, she avoids the accusing child, but she still approaches Mayani despite being told to keep a distance. Mayani no longer talks to her or says her name. According to Mayani, the accusing child goes around school labeling Mayani as a bully. And Mayani no longer feels comfortable forming bonds. She feels isolated at school and her mother has been picking her up to eat lunch with her so she doesn't feel alone. Myani is crying at school and staff is noticing a change in behavior. Mary Turner, Ed Johnson, Ralph Yarl, Sonia Massie, and Emma Till. We say these names as a
038reminder of accusations made with no evidence. Often, black and brown adults and children are guilty before proven innocent. Mayani is being accused of bullying with no evidence. The school investigated the allegations and nothing was found to prove that the bullying occurred. The accusing child's mother is posting about Mayani on Facebook. According to Mayani, the accusing child is labeling her at school. In the midst of all this, the accusing child's mother refuses to talk to Mayani's mom. This problem can be solved by coming together to figure out what is going on. Guilty until proven innocent like her ancestors that came before her. When we learn to stop, when will we learn to stop repeating history? When will we learn that communication and collaboration will save a generation? I hope that today we learn to break the
039cycle. We need to teach these children how to come together in the face of conflict. Thank you. Next up, we have Deanie Palmer. Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. Hi everyone. Good evening. My name is DJ and I'm here as a mother speaking from a place of deep concern and pain for my daughter. My auntie arrived at Mela Park Elementary. She is 11 years old and since being accused of something she didn't do, she has been crying at school, feeling isolated, and now being bullied, not just by the student who accused her, but that student's parent as well. This has been gone beyond a school matter. It has become a personal and harmful. My daughter has been emotionally affected to the point where she questions her own selfworth. When she feels afraid to form new
040friendships, her reputation is being destroyed. Not by actions she has taken, but by a narrative that's been pushed publicly and repeatedly. What hurts even more is that the parent is making these accusations. As a teacher, as a professional educator, I expected more. I understand wanting to protect your child. I would do the same. But there comes a time when as adults we have to recognize when our child is wrong and when a conflict needs to be handled privately and fairly, not through public accusations, not through social media, and not by influencing how others see a child who is still learning and growing. What scares me the most is where this mindset leads. If we don't stop teaching our kids, if we don't stop teaching our kids and ourselves that accusations equal guilt, where does it
041start? Stop. This is how people of color end up in jail for crimes they didn't commit. This is how innocent people end up on death row or worse killed because of hatred, jealousy, and miscommunication. Yes, this is affecting my daughter now, but what about when she's older? What happens when someone believes a lie about her again? If we can't protect our kids from false accusations in school, how do we expect to protect them in the real world? I'm asking this board to step in, not just to support my daughter, but send a message that every child deserves a fair chance, that public shaming is not how we resolve conflict, and that professional boundaries must be respected, especially when it comes to these children. Thank you. I did I did also want to add this in
042as well. I do appreciate the board standing behind my daughter and believe in her. I'm sorry, but I do you guys know that I am thankful for all that you guys are doing and trying to do. I'm not blaming you all. I just wanted to be the voice that I never had and the voice for my daughter. If you guys didn't understand her, I wanted to clarify it more. Thank you guys all for listening. Thank you. Next, we have um Leticia Taylor. Hello, my name is Leticia Taylor and here's a little information about me. I'm an educator and I have been for more than 30 years and I'm also in the field of clinical mental health. Why am I here you may ask? My responsibility in my field is to promote mental health awareness within
043communities and to advocate for people that are in need who cannot advocate for themselves. Excuse me. Right now, my niece is suffering mentally and I understand another child may be suffering as well. We can sit in a board meeting and complain and we can get on social media and talk about the problem that persists, but ask yourself, is this really solving the problem? Let's talk about resolution, please. To date, these two young ladies have not sat in a room with adults to talk about the issue and get to the bottom of whatever the issue is. My niece has requested, my older niece has requested a meeting with the other girl's parents, but they're not willing to meet. Where is the resolution? Bullying involves a real or perceived balance of power. The young lady was given
044a voice and as a result gave her power and left my niece feeling isolated and alone. This is a definite imbalance of power. Let's give both these girls a voice and allow them to meet and resolve this issue rather than playing the blame game when we all know that at the end of the day there are two sides to a story and somewhere in the middle there's the truth. Thank you. Oops. Thank you. Uh, next we have consent calendar. Do we have any changes to the consent calendar? There are no changes. We do have some donations that we want to recognize. Um, Martinez Kowanas Foundation um donated $10,000 for a new golf cart for Al Hambor High School. Um, very nice. Um, Creekide Church donated about 2,000. Um, Dorian Art History, Artistry in Photography, Ms.
045Waters, and the I was mispronounced this name, too. I'm going to give up. No, the Black I said Guan is right. The Blackbod giving fund. Um, so we want to recognize that. Uh, do I have a motion to approve? I'll make a motion to approve the consent calendar. Second. Student rep. I. All those in favor I motion passes. Next up, discussion information items. We have the K through five visual arts, Amy Espinosa. Good evening, board members and superintendent Rossy. Tonight I'm bringing forward um information about our visual arts pilot that occurred um during the spring of the school year. It was for our K through fifth grade. I'd like to begin by saying a big thank you to our pilot team. Um Teresa Reyes uh is our art teacher at two of our elementary sites
046and Micah Pelchek is our art teacher at our other two elementary sites. This year we began um discussing a pilot opportunity in December. We identified the programs that we wanted to review which were both state board approved in 2021. Um we decided to move forward with the flex curriculum first and then we piloted the Davis education curriculum. We reconvened in April to determine if we wanted to move forward with either of the curricula that we had looked at. In May, we went forward with a recommendation to the curriculum advisory council. And tonight, I'm bringing forward that recommendation to you. As we looked at visual arts curriculum for K5, there were five main focus areas. We wanted to determine standards alignment, scope and sequence, what district resources we were going to be able to support with,
047and then our teacher resources as well as progression for student development within the art curriculum. Here I wanted to share some highlights that were shared by um the two art teachers who uh utilized both of the curricula. We um there was standard alignment which supported learning tasks and it also supported um their mastery of assessment. The scope and sequence was one that was going to be able to be flexible for our students needs. As you may know um our art teachers move from school to school and work with a variety of grade levels and so that flexibility was important to them. also engagement um in real world application so that it was relevant to the students in their age group as well as the resources that it provided for the teachers to use. We were
048in a uh agreement uh to move forward with flex curriculum. This is created by the art of education university. Here you'll see the cost. The cost is for a three-year license. The license is for the adults. So the license itself gives uh the adults the different lessons they can use with each of the grade levels as well as professional development opportunities and that comes out to $7,62. This does not include materials and supplies that will be um bought as needed and on a request basis from the two teachers. So, the next steps in the adoption process, um, tomorrow we're going to post links to flex curriculum on the educ ed services website on our website and have that open for community preview through June 9th. And then at the June 9th board meeting, I will
049ask um for approval to begin using the curriculum for the coming school year. Thank you. Board questions. Is this something that also goes through the um curriculum committee? Yes, it did go on May 7th. Okay. And it would be for all four elementary schools. Yes, it would be. So, what are they currently using right now? They are just aligning their work with the current visual arts framework. So we've never had a formal program. That's correct. Okay. That's what I wanted. Any other questions from the board soon? Yes, it is. And do you know approximately how much materials and supplies are going to be? No, but I do have a list. And some of the materials and supplies obviously are one-time purchases that need to be made such as like paint brushes or things like that,
050non-consumables, and other things would be consumable like paint. And so um we have the list from the curriculum to show which uh what items would be used um throughout the curriculum. And it's going to be based on an um a request basis because they're not going to be able to do all 180 lessons. Obviously, they'll be able to pick and choose what's appropriate for their school sites and for their grade levels. Great. Thank you. Any public comment about this? No. Okay. Thank you. Next up, we have Amy again for Reading Difficulties Risk Screener. Thank you. Um, so tonight I'm presenting the reading difficulties risk screener, which is also known as the RDRS. I'm going to share the purpose, timeline, implementation, selection process, funding, and then a recommendation as well. This just to be clear up
051front, this also went to curriculum advisory council on May 7th as well. So just a few uh key points. I won't read all of this um but the purpose of the reading difficulties risk screener is to identify and to intervene early with students that um potentially have literacy um literacy gaps. um is part of a broader process that um will support students needs and progress and it'll be done individually and it will be done for students who both primarily speak English as well as non-English-speaking students. The governoring board is required by law to um pick a screener from the approved list from the state board of education. And this will be administered K2 annually. So you will it'll be administer administered when you're a kindergartener as well as when you're a first grader as well
052as when you're a second grader. So it doesn't happen just one time in one of those grade levels but on an annual basis. If a student does not speak sufficient English. Um the local education agency will develop a process in which we're able to um determine the risk of reading difficulty. We get to also choose when we are going to screen the students and we um and by choosing so we want to ensure that they have had sufficient instruction and foundational skills. Students can be exempted from the screener but they must meet one of the following criteria listed here. Currently I'd like you to note that TK students are exempt. So that is in the current law. But as you can see, if we are aware that a student has a current diagnosis of a
053reading difficulty disorder or another disability, a student may be exempt as well. Family involvement and communication is key and this is part of the legislation. Um, we will provide notification to parents and guardians prior to the screening window. We also and then you can see here one way we can do that is at back to school night also um we will assess no more than 45 we will let the parents know of the results no more than 45 days after the assessment for funding we receive funding um just for professional development. So this cost The amount of funds is based on our students at this point in time. So our number of K through 2 grade students and so that can only be used for training and professional development purposes. Here's the timeline in which
054we have um worked. So we began in January 2024 and the panel was at the state board of education where they began the review process. The panel then released screeners right um right before the new year and then we were given that list and then from there we are required to adopt a screener by June 30th and then we must annually screen K1 and two students. The list of approved screeners is here. I do want to make note that we did not um review ROAR which is the rapid online assessment of reading. One of the main reasons in which we the reason we did not um look at ROAR was because it did not offer a kindergarten level assessment. So that would have meant we would have had to look at two different screeners if
055we had chosen that one. So the overview of our current process is we gathered information we communicated with our stakeholders, so our um site leaders as well as our teachers. We gathered feedback and then we pro we prepared for tonight for a full implementation for the next school year. Michelle Artosa and I uh went to the RDRS workg groups. We did multiple presentations uh and meetings and then we attended u there are other resources available around CDE recording and screener overview worksheets. Here are the groups that we had open communication with over the last year and a half. And then here is how we gathered our feedback. We use this information because there are are technology requirements. That was a large um conversation around usage of the different tools. Um, we also considered budget obviously
056and there was a cost to some of the screeners which was outside of the $21 that we had received. So, with teacher feedback, um, we did this in a unique, uh, way because we didn't want teachers to necessarily use the screeners three times over the last few months. We offered umformational videos, FAQ pages, um shared the websites and then we received Google feedback uh forms from multiple teachers around uh giving us feedback on the three screeners that we were looking at and then we had held a culminating inerson meeting as well. Our recommendation is multitudes. The pros for this are listed below. But um a few that I want to highlight is it's free to California public schools. It is administered one-on-one so teachers can hear the student responses. So even though it is scored
057through AI, it's not um completely an AI generated um test, which one of them was, and it has kid-friendly graphics, so we're hoping that's engaging as well. So how we plan to use a screener is in the following way. You'll see in winter that we have modified this um it used to be K8 universal screener with fastbridge all three testing uh windows. But for winter, we are now going to um do multitudes for K2 and then continue to have fast bridges optional if there needs to be further testing. So our next steps, we are going to list this on our website again with the U visual arts pilot so that parents and uh community community members can click on and see what multitudes looks like and then at the next uh board m meeting I
058will bring it forward for recommendation for adoption and then um between June and August we have a lot of work to do with the family notification opt out and then some guidance for our non-English-speaking students and then in August and October is when we'll begin our training and professional development for our teachers and administrators questions. Thank you very much. Um, you said that it's not 100% AI. So, the teacher listens in and how do they So, they're going to just look at the AI rating afterwards and they're going to say think that something was wrong. How are they going to judge that? So both the adult and this child have a computer and and or tablet and when the student gives their responses, the teacher will be able to hear their oral responses. If they
059don't agree with the oral response that the AI has generated, maybe the student said cat, but AI picked it up as cap. The teacher can go in and modify that piece prior to us notifying the of the results. Okay, thank you. Any other board questions? Yeah, I am curious. I realize there's an opt out, but is there like a universal process for students who either have already been identified as having a a disability around reading or a learning, you know, or have an IEP or something in place where they don't have to do this again. Um, or you It's okay. I didn't I didn't ask before. It would be very much like um how we do state testing currently where there would have to be an annual opt out process. So what you would need
060to opt out once parents receive the annual notification of assessment. It would be very much like how we get our optouts. If a parent chooses to opt out of our CASP assessments as well. Okay. I guess I'm just thinking for a student already identified with something. Yeah. They would have to do it on an annual basis. Yes. Because it doesn't automatically mean that they don't take the test. They still could take the test. It doesn't automatically exclude them. Okay. Thank you. Um the bar chart that was a slide or two back, I was wondering is that specifically from this data or was it just an example? Yes. Go back one more there. That's specifically the answers from the Google form. Okay. Um And so we're seeing that with this one, it may not be over
061the top. Everybody loved it, but it also is usable by everybody and nobody hated it. Yes, that is the right answer. We And the other two, we had some people that couldn't live with it and we had nobody answered that they loved any of them. So this one was the one that had all neutral responses. It's what Goldil Goldilocks would choose. And that's the reminder of that it's free. Yes. I knew that played a a part in there. Any public comments? No. Okay. So, we'll see this back on June 9th. Okay. Now, uh we have comments from the superintendent, board members, and future agenda items. Helen, we'll start with you. Okay. Um as school ends on June 5th, and that's about and a half more days for those of you that are counting. Um, and
062this is the last board meeting before then. I'd like to thank all the staff, students, and families of the district for another amazing year. And I hope everyone enjoys a um restful and relaxing, well-deserved summer break. And they will see you all here back in August. And thank you for the memories. Okay. Yeah, I can't believe the next board meeting is after school is out. So, yeah. Can congratulations kids and graduates. Um, moving on with your lives and exciting new adventures. Um, and yeah, students, enjoy your summer off. Um, I think that's pretty much it. Yeah, I can't believe it's already summer. The year flies. Okay, thank you. It was a short meeting, which is good because it was unexpectedly very emotional. So, thank you again to um all of our retirees and Lizzie. You
063have truly enormous shoes to fill. I know Matthew, you all do a great job. Not to make you intimidated in any way. Um but best of luck to you in in all of the things that you are, I know, going to do and make us proud. Um don't forget about us here. And I will still Helen's acting like she has no more meetings, but I'm saving all of my stuff for the end, so she's not going to escape that yet. Um, and thank you to everyone who spoke tonight. I know it can be difficult to come to a meeting and speak in front of lots of people, and um, we really do appreciate hearing from the public. So, thank you all. Just want to thank Todd and the PTA again for putting on that uh,
064event later for Helen and all the work that she's done. Uh, I want to thank Lizzie. Taught me a lot in the very short time I was here. So sad to see you go, but I'm excited for the new unccoming uh, student rep. And uh, yeah, look forward to seeing all of you next year. I think what Annie was trying to say is that she's going to make everybody cry again in June. Um, yeah, it was emotional night. Thank you for everybody that came. Um, you everybody was heard. Um, and thank you to uh Lizzie and Matthew are looking forward to working with you. And I'll I'll have more to say to Helen, too. But thank you, Helen, and all of the retirees. Congratulations. Enjoy your retirement. And congratulations, graduates. My student is one of
065them. 10 and a half more days. Time flies and it also sometimes does not. But all right everybody, I hope you have a good summer. Well, I want to start by saying thank you very much for all the kind words tonight. Um, it was very nice to hear them and to see that coming out. Things I was definitely not expecting. Um, and I really appreciate that. So, now into what I've been waiting a a little bit to say. Back at Feb back in February at a special school board meeting, I was asked what brought me to be the student representative on our school board. Tonight, as I address you for the last time, I would like to take the opportunity to explain who I am and what brought me here. To be clear, what I'm
066going to share tonight are my own personal opinions and beliefs, not necessarily what the school board or district or my teachers or my classmates believe. This is entirely from me. Over the time that I've been in high school, I have met with many comments from teachers, administration, students, and parents about how amazing it is that I made it where I am. about how I was able to invest in district-wide committees, not just being there, but really participating and challenging what we do. Taking on four to five AP classes a year and passing each one and each AP test, tutoring, babysitting, leading a 4-H club, drum major of the marching band, student schoolboard representative, constant older sister and foster sister, and still getting more than eight hours of sleep every night. I've faced friends and classmates
067who are barely keeping it all together. Staying up until 2 a.m., whether playing their favorite video game or finishing their homework because they chatted with friends and scrolled through Instagram until 10:00, and keeping awake in class by pumping themselves with energy drinks and soda, turning in assignments before their 11:59 due date, and scrambling to read the last few chapters of their English homework at long passing and lunch before their test. I've met students struggling with serious anxiety and depression. I've had a friend come to me and tell me she was contemplating committing suicide. Suffice it to say, the world is not a happy place right now. Still fresh in all of our minds is my eighth grade year of distant learning and the subsequent freshman year filled with masks, unable to breathe from the sweaty
068cloth choking our faces as we struggled through indoor PE volleyball. Across the world, Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Palestine continue to be at war. In 2023, our House of Representatives was so divided that the Speaker of the House was removed from office for the first time in history. We are not coming out of a joyful time. And we are not headed into one either. Despair, depression, hopelessness. These are our constant companions. And yet, I can say without a doubt, I carry none of those. Not because I'm somehow superior. Not because I don't think that those problems matter, but because I have a hope that is greater than all of those. And it's that hope that has made me into the person I am today. That hope is my hope in a perfect eternity. The
069perfect eternity that comes from my undeniable, relentless faith in Jesus Christ. It's him who gives me calm and peace and energy and the time for what's important. He guides me through my day and tells me what to do next. I don't have to worry about what's around the corner as I move out of high school. Because no matter how dark it gets, I have a light inside of me that will see me through, even in death. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it. John 1:5. Nothing can stop my God. Jesus is alive and I have hope even amid the horrible disasters in our world. So I can sit here today speaking in front of all of you with a bright smile on my face, having accomplished what I have
070because I have a God, a good God, a loving God whose Holy Spirit lives inside of me and whose one and only son Jesus the Christ died for me so that I can live and who rose again so that I can have hope. That brings me here to this boardroom. I am not here because I love politics. I am not here to have my name known for something. It was not that I wanted a title for college applications. This role wasn't listed on a single college application and was only included in a list of leadership roles for some scholarships. In fact, my main reason wasn't even that I believe advocacy to be important. I am here because I believe I have God-given strengths and abilities and I want to use those to the best of
071my ability to give glory and honor to him. And I want everyone to know that anything seemingly amazing that I've said this year, anything insightful or good, it all came from God, the creator of the universe. I can't count the number of times over the last year that I've been told by parents, teachers, and community members that I have done a good job serving as the student representative, that I provide good, valuable insight, ask intelligent questions, and speak with the authority of an adult. I say this not to highlight myself, but because I want to contrast that with some honestly silly suppositions that people have. In conversations with people, they've told me that anyone who disagrees with them politically must be unintelligent and ridiculous with no value. People have said to me directly that all
072Republicans must be racist and homophobic. That being a Christian must mean someone is foolish, transphobic, and homophobic. And that taking pride in this country and the sacrifices people have made for freedom means someone is an elitist racist. Over the last three years specifically, I have seen horrible slander of people's character, complete cancelling of people for their opinions or donations, and discounting of people's voice because someone disagrees with it. Most people see speak and act this way with no understanding of my own personal beliefs. Let me clarify. When I register to vote, it will be as a Republican. And yet, I am not anti-education, racist, homophobic, transphobic, or unintelligent. And who I am has value. Everyone in this room has value. No matter what their political beliefs are, no matter who they vote for, they were
073created by a God who loves them and made them to have choice and value. It's time to put aside politics and preconceived ideas and to embrace people for who they are and not whatever label is put on them. So as I leave today, I want to leave you with the assurance that whomever you are, whatever you believe, whatever you do, you matter to me and you matter to your creator Jesus Christ. Thank you. Thank you, Lizzie. Um, okay. We don't need the next public comment because we had the 20 minutes. Um, and so we will adjourn to close session at 8:25. Um, Oops. Oh, yep. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Do we have public comment on close session? It is a superintendent search. Sorry. Nope. Okay. So, now we're journing um 8:25. Please do not leave
074without taking a piece of cake. Okay, we are reconvening from the um back to the regular meeting of the board of education. Um I have nothing to report out from close session and we don't have we don't need any additional comments from the public. So, we are adjourning at 10:02 p.m.