001Okay, we're calling the regular meeting of the board of education for Martinez Unified School District to order. It is April 28th, 2025 and it's 5:16. First item we have is um we're going to close session. Do we have anyone um for public comments for close session? None. None. Then we will adjourn to close session. We're reconvening to open session. Uh we have ne Oh, by the way, as a reminder, this meeting will be recorded via audio and video. We have nothing to report out for close session. Lizzie, will you start us in the pledge of allegiance, please? Do we have any changes to the agenda? Yes. Um, we do. We are going to, um, I guess it's on the consent calendar. I'll cover it when we get to the consent calendar. Okay. Do we have
002a motion to approve the agenda? I'll move to approve the agenda. Second. Student vote. I. All those in favor? I I. So moved. Next, we have comments from Lizzie, our student rep. Good evening, everybody. Loses elementary's third to fifth graders started ESBback testing this week. Thank you to parents for getting students to school on time and the PTA for all snacks for testing. Los Angeles Elementary celebrated all of the staff for staff appreciation this week. PTA spoiled them with a surprise goodie every day. Los Angeles Elementary enjoyed the dine and donate at Mikasita. Thank you to all of the families, staff, and community members who were able to support the school last Thursday. Lasutes Elementary is excited to start their book fair this coming Monday. They have the first math festival hope hosted by CSU
003East Bay's MSTI program this Tuesday at 6 PM. On May 7th at 7 p.m., Los Angeles Elementary will host a shelter in place informational meeting for the community presented by Martinez Area CERT. John Mir Elementary's fifth graders performed and dressed up for their parents and guardians during their walk through American Revolution on campus field trip. Fourth grade, including my little sister, is dissecting squids on Wednesday, May 7th. TK and Kinder, will have a visit from Heather Farms Park. Big Buddies will come visit the classroom on May 2nd. Sorry, Bug Buddies will come to visit the classroom on May 2nd. New Leaf has provided students with interactive science workshops using grade level NGSS science concepts. All fifth grade students will participate in a fifth grade derby. The talent show is May 30th. The self-care night is
004Wednesday, May 21st. The book fair is May 5th through 9th. The kinder field trip to the Oakland Zoo is May 8th. The second grade field trip to Shabo Space and Science Center is May 9th. The TK Mother's Tea is May 9th. The second grade musical is May 16th. And the Walk through California is May 16th. At John Sweat Elementary, CASP testing has started this week and all the students have gotten off to a great start. Fourth graders learned a ton and had their upclose cow eyeball dissection. Third graders had some baby chicks hatch and born in their classroom last week. Grade level musical concerts are on May 9th. The John Sweat Elementary auction is on May 3rd and teacher appreciation week is on May 5th. Merllo Park Elementary's fifth graders have started CASP testing last
005week and it is going smoothly. Third and fourth grades start this week. The fourth and fifth grade classes continue to practice for their class plays for a performance in a couple of weeks. The school honored office manager Lisa Greenwood for administrative professionals day by coming to the office and offering her notes of thanks from each student. Fourth and fifth grade book club meets this week on Thursday. Friday, May 9th, kindergarten and TK do their Smith family farm field trip. Saturday, May 10th, will be the Eagles for Excellence Gala. Martinez Junior High School Bullpups jumped in and up getting started with the ELA CASP assessments last week. Students worked to prepare, focus, engage, and persevere through the testing sessions, and their hard work was recognized with golden tickets they could turn in for a raffle. Thank
006you to all who came to support the MJHS PTSA silent auction at market in Maine on Friday. We appreciate your support. Thank you to all the families who came out to support the Bullpup music boosters noodles and notes event. The support and hard work of all has been key in helping our bullpups on their way to the forum fest. Thank you. 8th grade California science tests are Tuesday and Wednesday. The MUSD multilingual celebration in Alhhamra's PTA is at 5:30. Math CASP testing is Tuesday, May 6th, and Thursday, May 8th. The MJHS eighth grade student versus staff basketball game is at 6:30 p.m. Junior and senior prom at Alhhamra High School was an unforgettable night inspired by the magic of La La Land. Held at Plank in Oakland, students enjoyed a night full of games, bowling,
007dancing, great food, and sweet treats. Truly something for everyone. Thank you to ASB students and advisor support staff and chaperones for such a wonderful event. We are wrapping up CASP ELA and math testing and working on makeups. This week, SLAM students and advisers met with Dr. Watson this week for a full day seminar. They're building their capacity to continue leading equity work on campus. It's exciting to see their growth and impact moving forward. You are all invited to the spring musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat, April 30th through May 3rd. Tickets are available on GoFan. You don't want to miss it. AP exams will be administered May 5th through May 16th. The last PTSA meeting of the year will be on May 14th. All are welcome to attend. Mr. Alhhamra and Senior Sunset
008are on May 15th. Vicente Martinez Bion's Independent Study Outstanding Student Brandy Pico was nominated for the RO Student of Excellence Award for her photography of automobiles and her pursuit of a career in professional photography. She will be honored by the county at a celebration on April 29th. She will receive a scholarship. Both Brionis and Vicente have completed their ESPback testing. Any student who was not present to take the assessment will take retakes in the next two weeks. In the learning center, students are starting to work on their transition plans after high school in career and college pathways. Many Bion and Vicente students attended prom last weekend and reported they had a wonderful time. In the last two weeks, Martinez Adult Education had one student complete their high school diploma and one student pass their high
009school equivalency. We are looking forward to honoring all graduates on Tuesday, June 24th. Wednesday, April 23rd, 31 applicants attended the online orientation for the optical assistant training program, which will start on June 9th. ESL students met and are working on their projects and presentations for the 26th annual international fair which to will take place on Wednesday, May 21st from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. On May 8th, students will take a tour of Diablo Valley College and learn about health care programs offered at DBC which include dental assisting and community health workers. Monday, May 12th at 6 PM, Toro University students from the School of Pharmacy will be present in presenting to the students participating in the pharmacy technician training boot camp. I'd like to further highlight Alhamra High School's musical Joseph in the Technicolor Dream
010Coat. The cast is thrilled to bring this story of Joseph's rise from a young boy to a powerful leader to life on stage. They hope you will enjoy following his journey and are moved by the universal themes of forgiveness, resilience, and the power of dreams. Wednesday, April 30th through Friday, May 2nd will be evening shows at 7 pm. And Saturday, May 3rd is the 2 PM matinea. Tickets are available through GoFan. $16.75 cents for adults, $11 for students and senior citizens, and $6 for children 10 and under. Additionally, after Saturday's show, there will be a reception with cookies and sparkling cider to greet Mr. Weer and congratulate him on his impending retirement after 32 years in Martinez Unified School District and 38 years of teaching. Thank you. Anything else to add? That's it. Okay. Thanks.
011Thought you were going to talk about your uh prom night yourself. No. Okay. Uh let's see. Do we have any employee organization reports from Martinez Education Association? How about from the um California School Employees Association? Comments from the PTA. Good evening. This evening, I'd like to share that in honor of over 30 years of dedication to the school board and to the school district. And in celebration of her retirement, the Martinez Council of PTAs will be hosting a reception on May 29th from 4 to 5:30 right here in the boardroom for Miss Helen Rossi. Um we're inviting the entire community to join us. Um we purposely scheduled it after school so that hopefully students and families can join us. So once again, Helen, congratulations on your retirement. There'll be a notice going out in the
012next couple of days. Thank you. Thank you. That's very generous. We're very excited. Next, we have certified employee of the year, Janelle Ayat. Okay. Good evening. Um tonight is my pleasure to um recognize our certificated employees of the year. Um as is our tradition, each school site uh nominates one certificated educator of the year to represent their school site. Um and then we have one district nominee who will is recommended to the Contraosta County Board of Education for the teacher of the year. And so tonight, it is my pleasure to recognize each of our nominees from each of our school sites. And as you can see, we have lots of loved ones and colleagues in the in the um audience tonight to support them. So our first educator is from John Mir. And I'd like
013to recognize um Vincent Pitzulo. You want to come on [Applause] up? Congratulations. Vincent Pitsulo is a compassionate and supportive educator known for his critical thinking, problem solving skills, and creativity. Over the years, he has demonstrated unique talents and expertise in all aspects of his teaching assignment. His impact extends beyond teaching music. He provides students with meaningful opportunities to showcase their talents, whether on stage, in front of their families, or at a district office board meeting. Vincent's dedication is evident in the time he volunteers before school to support students through the ukulele and recorder clubs. He consistently exemplifies a strong work ethic and a commitment to excellence. His collaborative spirit shines as he works with colleagues to incorporate music into their programs such as when the ukulele club performed alongside TK students while caroling in downtown
014Martinez. Through his unwavering dedication, creativity, and willingness to go above and beyond, Vincent has made a lasting impact on our school's climate, culture, and goals. Congratulations, Mrs. Next from John Sweat, we have Sierra Batsky. Sierra is a huge advocate for all of her students. She ensures that her students are given the support and care that they need to have a successful year. Sierra does an amazing job teaching our students and staff about autism awareness. She has done readalouds in classrooms and has facilitated meaningful schoolwide activities. She puts her heart and soul into teaching her students. She is patient, fun, and believes that all students can make progress. Sierra plans activities that benefit the entire PAL's program. She never knows what she what she's walking into, but she does it with joy, enthusiasm, and sweet festive
015outfits, a wicked sense of humor, and creates a safe, fun, loving space for her students. Congratulations, [Applause] Sierra. And from Lasus Elementary, um, Ashley Lutz. [Applause] Congratulations. You're adoring fans. U Mrs. Les's reputation as a teacher precedes her and her students and families know just how lucky they are to have a teacher who genuinely cares about their academic and social emotional success. Lasutes is lucky to have Mrs. Lutz as part of our family and she deserves to be recognized for her dedication and growing contributions to Lasutes. Mrs. Lets engages students in learning by infusing creativity and innovation into our lessons, ramping up rigor while allowing students various access points to the curriculum. One of our students favorite units is the butterfly science unit using live caterpillars while students use the scientific method to note their
016observations about their development into butterflies. Not only is Miss Lutz an amazing teacher who focuses on rigor and achievement in her classroom, she also goes above and beyond her teaching role to contribute to the improvement of school culture by helping start student leadership at Lasundus this year, serving as our PTA teacher less on creating our yearbook. Mrs. Lutz's dedication to shaping young minds and inspiring a love for learning is truly commendable. Her engaging lessons, her patience, and willingness to go above and beyond to help her students and Losas succeed are truly admirable. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to the growth of our students and our school community. [Applause] Okay. And then from Martinez Junior High School, Kelsey's honor. [Applause] We at MJHS are honored to celebrate our 2025 educator of the year. Kelsey's
017honor as she embodies all the amazing attributes of a bullpup. Mrs. Honor is excited, dedicated, and proactive about student learning, school culture, and has a dedicated math and yearbook teacher. She exemplifies what it means to go above and beyond the for the entire school community. Mrs. Zonner is a dynam dynamic collaborator and has worked with administration, her colleagues, and her students to develop learning and engaging experiences that have benefit all at MJHS. Mrs. honor wears many hats. Teacher, department lead, bullpup news work, news network director, coach, spirit coordinator, and is always up for doing what will be best for all. Her leadership and care for students is seen in and out of the classroom where she works to empower students to take ownership of their work, be curious, and give it their all for the
018best outcome. Mrs. Zonner consistently develops creative lessons and is willing to try new things to keep her students engaged and finding success. We are beyond grateful to work with such an amazing person and committed educator. Thank you, Miss Honor, for all you do. And from Alhhamra High School, Kyle Bond. [Applause] Congratulations. Okay. Uh, Mr. Bonds is nominated for Alhamra High School Teacher of the Year. um for his unwavering dedication to both the students and the larger school community. Kyle is an exceptional history educator who not only brings the past to life for students but also advocates for a future that is equitable, inclusive, and empowering for all. As a history teacher, Mr. Bondere goes beyond just delivering content. He ignites a passion for history and challenges students to view the world through a critical lens.
019His ability to connect historical events to contemporary issues encourages students to think deeply and engage in meaningful discussions by pushing them to question assumptions and examine multiple perspectives. Mr. Bonder fosters a deep love and respect for history that students carry with them long after they leave the classroom. What truly sets Kyle apart is his ability to balance his responsibilities as an educator and advocate while always prioritizing the well-being of his students. Whether it's helping a struggling student find their voice or working behind the scenes to ensure fair treatment for all, Kyle is a cornerstone of our school community. He exemplifies the dedication, p passion, and integrity that makes a true difference in the lives of students and staff alike. Congratulations [Applause] from Vicente Martinez High School. Kevin Harrison. [Applause] What sets Mr. Harrison apart is
020his ability to meet students where they are. He takes the time to understand each student's strengths and challenges. Tailoring his teaching approach to ensure that every learner feels seen, respected, and capable. Many students enter his classroom believing they are not good at math and lacking confidence in their abilities. However, after spending time in Mr. Harrison's class, they find themselves saying, "I like math, and I didn't know I was good at this." Mr. Harrison's teaching style is creative and adaptable. He thinks outside the box to make math engaging and accessible. Whether through creative lessons, one-on-one support, or simply his unwavering patience, he makes sure every student gets the help they need to succeed. His positive attitude and genuine care for his students create a classroom environment where learning is possible and confidence grows. It's clear that
021Mr. Harrison is more than just a math teacher. He's a mentor, an educator, and a champion for student success. His passion for teaching and dedication to his students make a lasting impact not just on their academic achievements, but also on their belief in themselves. Congratulations from Martinez Early Intervention Preschool Program. Samantha Hajj. [Applause] Congratulations. Sam is a prime example of what it means to be a team player. As a school psychologist, she consistently goes above and beyond her role to support both students and staff. She checks in with teachers daily to see if they need assistance, offering her expertise and guidance in a compassionate and understanding manner. She works closely with students and their families, offering strategies to support students social emotional well-being. With a solutionoriented mindset, she ensures that everyone feels heard and valued.
022Her ability to collaborate with educators, staff, and families to assist students makes her an essential essential asset to the school. As the recipient of the certificated employee of the year award, Sam's commitment to her profession and the well-being of her students and colleagues is remarkable. She exemplifies dedication, care, and professionalism, and her impact on the school is invaluable. [Applause] Congratulations. and Martinez adult education Lillian [Applause] Galindo. Congratulations. Lillian's dedication as a medical billing and coding teacher has had a profound and lasting impact on both her students and the overall success of the program. Under her expert guidance and unwavering support, numerous students have passed the CERT certified professional coder exam, paving the way for promising careers in the field. Many of her former students have been hired at prestigious locations, including UCSF Health. Lillian also
023took the initiative to design and implement an integrated education and training program that introduces multilingual students to medical career pathways, igniting interest and inspiring many to pursue medical billing and coding. Her dependability, proactive approach, and willingness to take on additional responsibilities make her an essential part of the team. Lillian's passion for her work and deep commitment to student success truly set her apart. Congratulations, [Applause] And then last we have Mel Park, Donica Katyanagi. Congratulations. I have two certificates for Donica because Donica is also the district's nominee to the county office of education for educator of the year. Sorry, I have too many things in my hand. There you go. Okay. Okay. Donica exemplifies professionalism and dedication in all she does. Donica doesn't hesitate to step into leadership roles, contributing significantly to both curricular and non-curricular
024initiatives across our school. She actively serves on school committees as the vital teacher liaison to our PTA and generously mentors her colleagues sharing her expertise and passion. Central to all this is her profound commitment to her students. Donica continuously seeks ways to grow as an educator because she cares so deeply about their learning and well-being. Her impact resonates strongly with our families as evidenced by the spontaneous glowing feedback we regularly receive about the progress students make in her class and what a wonderful teacher they find her to be. Donica consistently goes above and beyond pouring her heart into her work. She is someone we can always count on and this honor is incredibly welld deserved. Congratulations [Applause] Can we have all the nominees come up with their principal um for a picture? Congratulations again to
025all the award winners. We really appreciate all your dedication to Martinez Unified School District and everything you do every day. So, thank you and congratulations. It was like Okay, next step we have staff reports and we're going to start with Superintendent Rossy. So this evening I'm going to talk about a um a group of hardworking individuals that don't often get recognized um for the hard work and their efforts that they have put in for many years for um for the efforts that and the hard work they put in for our students. So I'm going to talk about the work of the Martinez Education Foundation. Since 1982, MEF has been raising money in in the support, sorry, raising money in support of educating the students of the Martinez Unified School District. Their primary method of distributing
026funds is through a yearly grant process in which they have successfully given over $3.2 million in support of student learning. It is not uncommon for the total amount of money requested in grants to exceed the total amount of money raised for grants. Therefore, many of the grants will will not be able to be funded. Principles are asked to prioritize the grants for their size and this is taken into account for ME for the into account by the MEF board when they review the grants for funding. Each year after collecting and reviewing the grants that are submitted, the MEF board meets with the district cabinet and superintendent to review the grants to ensure that they are in line in in alignment with the district's mission. I can't talk tonight for the life of me. With the
027district's mission and vision for teaching and learning, student safety and fiscal management cabinet provides feedback, but the ultimate decision rests with the MEF board. The MEFMRC run generates a good portion of the money for the grants and in more recent years, the addition of a golf fundraiser has increased the amount available. A yearly elementary readathon is also help I think it's in its second year to help support all facets of library services. As the state district budget issues increase, the requests for grants increase as well, which means that more grants will go unfulfilled. With this, I have noticed that there have been more there has been more chatter and questioning of why MEF was not funding certain grants. I wanted to take this opportunity to make it known that when over $800,000 worth of requests
028come in for grants and there's only $250,000 in grant money, someone goes home empty-handed. MEF has a very difficult job. They review every grant at least three to four times as a group and individually. They talk it out over and over and try their best to make the best decision possible. They look for grants where the writer has taken the time to try to find someone to partner with them in funding. They look twice at grant where at grants where the writer volunteers at the MEF events to help raise the money to pay for the grants. They listen for input from cabinet as to the need for the project and if there is any district one-time or title funding that can be used to cover the grant instead of using MEF funding so that more
029grants can be covered. MEF works hard all year long raising money, planning, organizing, meeting, collaborating, and working with community partners in support of the education of all students in our district. They do so without collecting a paycheck, most without having current students in our system, and without hesitation. Always assume positive intentions and always thank them for everything they do. If a grant is not funded this year, there's a good chance it will be funded next year. Thank you, MEF, for your continued support and the endless hours you spend supporting our students here in the MUSD. So, that's my report this evening. Thank you. That was very informative and um again, yes, thank you MEF. We appreciate everything you do. Uh next, we have board reports. I um attended the as along with Logan the uh
030city liaison um in Martinez Unified School District subcommittee meeting last week and they talked about safest routes to school and it was very encouraging. They're really just in the planning stages but we had some great dialogue and they're very encouraging um of you know having crosswalks that have little blinkers and things like that. So, um that was everyone was very focused on that and Helen I guess as um she's put in every few every year she mentions we need another crossing guard. Um so I know that they are planning to put that on the agenda. So hopefully we will get another crossing guard. Um which would be very much appreciated and we think the meeting just was very much a success. Did you have any comments on that Logan or additional? You covered it all.
031Thank you. Did anyone else have any board reports? Can I add something? You can absolutely. So when we when we um Andy and I also attend the the joint meeting and specifically we were talking um for extra support and services in the area of Martinez Junior High. We do have crossing guards at all of our elementaryaries, but we were looking more towards um the Pacheco um Pacheco Boulevard bus stop area by the Shell Credit Union where the bus drops the kids off and picks them up and then they cross over towards maybe Aribba or the Brown Street park. Um it's it's kind of a little bit nerve-wracking um when kids are crossing from the bus stop and people are going up and down probably a little faster than the 25 mph zone. And then in
032the 19 years I spent at the junior high I can't tell you how many kids I've seen um um let's say come in contact with cars on Pine Street where it meets Warren or Brown. So, we're looking maybe we've asked for them to consider not so much the flashing things there, but a crossing guard in that area. So, the more of the flashing thing by the bud, you know what I'm talking about? What they put on Alhhamra, the flashing things over on Pacheco and and a and a human to help over in the area of Pine Street just uh so we don't see uh any more accidents in those areas. So that's that's the kind of conversations we had and they did talk a lot about their safe school grants and and the things that
033they are doing to improve sidewalks and and um and other services um around through the city. So it was informative. Yeah, it was a really good meeting and that just reminds also um Mayor Zorn was very focused on also having sidewalks of Pine Street and then going down to the high school because a lot of students walk that way and there aren't even sidewalks. So, um, she definitely mentioned that as a priority as well. So, it was a really good meeting. Yeah. Thank you. Sorry. Next, we have public comment. 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
034have 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. First one is Ron McCaulay. Hello everyone. My name is Ron McCaulay and I am the incoming National Honor Society president at Alhhamra High School. I wanted to just let you know tonight some very encouraging results and data from our pure tutoring program this year as we are most fundamentally a community service club. This year we have helped 70 to 90 students this year and our tutors have devoted many hours with 160 hours total in tutoring um especially in math where we tutored 116 hours and geometry with 53 hours especially. We have recently been informed that pure tutoring will not have enough funding and so now
035we are actively trying to find different funding from local businesses and we would like to make it work as we see the importance that this program has brought to our fellow students and we would like to continue this service. So thank you to all of the staff as well who have supported us through this such as Dr. Emmendfer, Superintendent Rossy, Miss Fennel, and um Miss Writtenhouse. So, thank you. Thank you. That's very worthwhile. And you should see me later because I have an idea of some fundraising for you. Next up, we have Kitty West. And after her, we have Bronte Redell. Good evening. I appreciate the opportunity to speak. If you spend any time on the Los Hunas campus, you will feel the warm welcome from staff and students alike. It is baked into the
036culture and DNA of our school. It is no wonder that parents transfer their children to our school. While the great news is that all four elementary schools in Martinez are excellent, Los Hunis has a closeknit, unique community. Students who enroll in our school look forward each year to being a fifth grade bull pup. They watch the fifth graders. They look forward to fifth grade activities and events. They make friends that they'll take with them to the junior high. and later on in life and they become part of a community. Taking students out of a school community and placing them in another school is damaging and difficult for the student and breaks our community. I understand the need to cut expenses. However, let's not do that at the expense of children. Thank you. [Applause] Good evening,
037members of the board. My name is Bronte Redell and I'm a fourth grade teacher at Los Angeles Elementary School. I'm here today due to the letters being received by interd district transfers in third and fourth grade at our site. My heart is shattered to hear that students in our classes are displaced from Lasis for their fifth grade year. A huge and monumentous year for them. What's more, it's so disappointing to hear that the reason for their displacement is that we don't have the numbers for a four or five combo again next year. We have 71 current fourth graders and 39 current third graders. We have the numbers for a combo. We could have two fifth grade classes and one fourth grade class of 28 and a combo of 26. Not all classes are required to
038be maxed out at 30. Having a few extra spots leaves room for the inevitable addition of new students during the year and gives us a better opportunity to meet our students needs. If we needed a combo class this year for this specific group of fourth grade students, then it's clear we also need a combo for next year as well, especially since the fifth and third grades are very similar in numbers. So, if it's the same situation, why is the outcome different? I'm here today to advocate for my students against something that doesn't need to happen, against unneeded stress and heartbreak. Four of my students are interd district-dely being ripped away from the community that they have built at Lois Elementary School. They would struggle being thrust into a group of students in their fifth grade
039year who are a complete unknown to them. I have looped with this class from third to fourth grade and they are the kindest group of students I have ever had the pleasure of teaching. and each one of them is an integral part of how our room thrives. I cannot imagine Lasutes without them. I understand that we are in a budget cut right now, but these students are more than just dollar signs being saved by not hiring a teacher. These students are critical parts of our classroom and school, and they deserve better than this. While kids are resilient, the situation feels a little callous. For the sake of the well-being of these children, please reconsider this decision. Thank you for your time. [Applause] Thank you. Next we have Torrance Stratton. Good evening. Thank you for allowing
040me to speak. Um so I'm here in regards to the transfer as well from the welcome to students and I have a letter from Alita Snyder. I am her stepdad and I just wanted to share this letter from her mother and I to whom it may concern. I would like to say that I have many great friends at this school who love and appreciate me. I would also like to say that I deeply appreciate staying at this school. I love and admire all of my teachers and staff at this school. Thank you for your time and consideration. Alita Snider. I would like to ask that you all do what you can to keep these students at Losas for their fifth grade year so they can continue to strive and succeed before taking their next big
041steps into junior high school. Not only would it be beneficial for the students, but it would also be beneficial to staff and the community given the fact that these students have been at Los Hunas since their kindergarten year. Thank you. [Applause] Next we have Amber Stratton. Good evening. Thank you for letting me speak. It has come to my attention that my daughter Alita Snider has been bumped from Los Elementary School for next year. I'm disappointed and disheartened to say the least. I understand that the enrollment numbers are nothing personal. However, this poses an extreme difficulty for our family to navigate as well as for Alita personally. This is her fifth grade year of school and she's been at LJ since kindergarten. A move like this would be extremely difficult for Alita to navigate emotionally as
042she already goes back and forth from her father's home to my home, which is difficult for any child to cope with. Despite this challenge, Alita has made wonderful friendships and connections with her teachers and learning community at LJ. And it would be incredibly an incredible shame to move her at this critical point in life when she's thriving as a learner. I would like to respectfully request that if there is movement in enrollment numbers, Alita be reenrolled at Lesus Elementary School. Additionally, there are numerous fourth graders that are getting bumped just like Alita because our school district isn't funding a four or five combo next year at LJ. I would like to ask, is the cost of this class more valuable than the well-being of these students? This disruption will be traumatizing for these children and
043for what? To save money. For a 10-year-old child to be moved somewhere completely unknown is cruel and unjust. We are responsible as mandated reporter reporters for the well-being of all of our children. This move is not in the best interest of any of these children. So I respectfully request that MUSD rethink this decision and fund a 45 combo class at LJ for next year to eliminate this potential trauma for all of the children like Alita who are facing displacement. Please do not move Alita and her classmates. Please do what is right for the children. Thank you for your consideration and time. Next we have Lydia Witwill. Hi, my name is Lydia Witwell. I am a fourth grade student at Lost. Um, a lot of my friends are being told that they won't get to go
044to Los next year for fifth grade. If they suddenly go to a new school, their safe space with the Lost staff and friends here will be lost. It's hard to force yourself into a new social scene when you have when you don't have any staff or friends safe spaces. If we're having a hard day, we already know which people we can go to because we've had years together. It takes a while for that type of trust to build. These kids got through had to get through a lot together. In their early years with co we had to start kindergarten online and then get back to normal together. We've made it to fifth grade. We don't want to lose our last year of elementary this way. Please help this class keep their Thank you for your
045time. [Applause] And last we have Amanda. I'm not sure what the last name is. Quinn. Quina. Quinn is. Oh, thank you. Okay. So, um, hi. Thank you for your time. Um, I'm here today because my child has been impacted on the upcoming budget cuts that are happening at the Las Elementary School. Martinez is known for being a tight-knit family community, looking out for each other, supporting each other, and always doing what is best for the children of the community, which shows in our school ratings, and in fact is why people want to move to the city of Martinez. My daughter came home from school so upset hearing some of her closest friends were going to be displaced from her elementary school when they have been there since kindergarten. It did not take but a couple
046of days for me to receive that phone call explaining to me there's not enough space for my going to be fourth grader to stay at the school that she also has attendance since kindergarten. Understanding budget cuts are expected in any industry, but you must understand there is a bigger picture that you're impacting with this decision. Some kids do not have stability, consistency, and structure. And they get that by building relationships with teachers, principles, staff members, and friends throughout the duration of the school years. There are now families that not only have to deal with their children's emotional and social well-being with this significant change, but also now are being placed on a wait list for the after school programs and and stressing about making changes to their work hours with which some parents are unable
047to do. Las is not just a school for my daughter. They're a larger part of my child's and other children's life. Examples include a handful of teachers and principles attending games to cheer on our our students, parents being a part of of volunteer work and building trust and strong relationships with the school staff. My question to the district to the district would be how much would it truly cost to pay for an additional teacher to keep students thriving and happy? Could you look at your expenses and make cuts in other ways? And how can the community support you guys? I'm truly disappointed in the district's decision on overloading students to other schools and I ask that you re-evaluate your decision and know it's impacting the students and parents more than you guys know. Thank you.
048I appreciate your time. [Applause] Thank you. Next, we have a consent calendar. Do we have any changes? Yes, we do. We're going to pull or we have pulled the consent calendar that was attached and we have put placed a new one in front of each board member. You should have a new one. Did we? They're in back. Can we get one and please put them in front of the board me? We pulled one item off of there which was the item for the six fifths for Bionis and we have taken it off of the agenda and so we're not asking you to vote on something additional but removing something off of it. Okay. And we also want to focus on the gift donations. We have Blackbird Ba Giving Fund, National Housing Endowment, California State Railroad
049Museum Foundation, Charities Aid Foundation of America, and Saints Motorcycle Club. We've been forgetting to mention that since Carlos isn't on the board anymore. Um, do I have a motion? I'll move to approve the consent calendar as amended. As amended. Second. Second. Student rep I. All those in favor? I. So moved. Next up, we have um declaration of need for fully qualified educators for the 2526 school year. Janelle Ayat. Good evening. Um tonight I'm bringing before you um our declaration of need. This is a process we go through every single year and um it's required to be done in order for us to be able to issue any sort of emergency permit or limited assignment for um any teachers. Um at this point in time, since we are still in our hiring process, um the declaration
050of need is developed based on our known and anticipated vacancies and is somewhat a worst case scenario because obviously we would ideally hire um new employees that are fully credentialed. But in certain situations and difficult to fill positions like our math, science and special education, sometimes we do end up needing needing to employ um teachers who um need a waiver or a local assignment. So this is the process by which that is allowed um under um ED code and through the CTC. Thank you. Any discussion, questions? Okay. So, we'll bring this back next board meeting. Okay. Perfect. Thank you. Next, we have the district instructional continuity plan. Janelle Ayat again. This is a brand new requirement and this is being brought forward for you for information tonight. Um, due to new legislation, a Senate Bill
051153. Um, under this Senate bill, school districts are now required to develop what's called an instructional continuity plan. um which outlines how students will receive instruction following a natural disaster or an emergency. Um this of course is in response to what happened during COVID, of course the many wildfires that have happened that have greatly impacted um the city and county of Los Angeles. And um this uh instructional continuity plan is now a required component of our comprehensive school safety plans. And the law now requires that this be embedded within our safety plans by July 1st, 2025. Of course, the board um recalls that you've already approved our safety plans for this year. And so this is being brought forward um so that it can be added as an addendum to our safety plans that already
052exist and it will be after the after the board approves, it'll be sent to the school site councils that have not already included um a instructional continuity plan. This this document reflects um the protocols outlined and required by um CDE in terms of how districts will deliver instruction, communicate with the community um regarding our plans following an emergency. And this is for information and will be brought back next week. Great. Thank you. Um any questions? Forgot to ask any public comments. Uh, next is revised expanded learning opportunities program plan. Yadira, good evening. Yeah, good evening board. You made me sound so cool like Prince like Yadira. No last name. Um, you are cool. Thank you. Um, all right. So, tonight before you were bringing Uh really it's an updated expanded learning opportunities program plan. Um
053and this is a requirement by the CDE. Thank you. Um so LEAs are responsible for creating, reviewing, and updating a program plan every three years in according with this education code that's quoted here. Um the program plan needs to be approved by of course our local our governing board in a public meeting and then posted on our district website within 30 days of approval. Um this process uh first happened in 2021 ahead of the 2022 January launch um of our ELOP program with right at school. Um that is we've met all of those requirements. It's posted on our website and we are just at that three-year mark. Um and also the um CDE has released a new program guide template um in November. So we are meeting all the boxes, checking all the requirements um
054with the CDE requirements in this area. Um and so really this is um the table of contents essentially is what is in this plan. Um you'll notice the first few pages are just the stock language that um is part of the template and then it goes into responses on 11 different categories. They're outlined on there for you. Um and then at the very end are just some general questions and the last few pages are again kind of stock language um coding of education code and all that jazz. So bringing this for um information tonight and then you'll come back next week for your approval. Thank you. Any questions? Public comment. Oh, thank you very much. But don't go anywhere because you're next. Um, under action items, the expanded learning opportunity program proposer contract champions and
055this time I'm going to say Yadira Zapata. All right. Thank you. Um, so last at uh the last board meeting, the board approved the intent to approve to award the contract to champions. And so tonight, I'm excited to bring forward that contract um with champions. Um you'll see the contract and then um an exhibit B like addendum um where it outlines the program um service costs. um in a chart. Um and I will also say that um you know there's a lot of things that are exciting about Champions and in developing this contract with them, they were super collaborative and very positive and so um if that's any indication of what our future holds um just adds to that excitement moving forward. Great. Any board questions? Any public comment? Okay. Do I have a motion?
056I move to approve the um proposer contract champions. Seconded. Student vote. I. All those in favor? I. So moved. Thank you. Thank you. Next up we have appointment for citizens oversight committee bond measure O. Andy Cannon. Uh good evening board. You should have received an application for Marie Danielle Masa. Um, we only have one applicant right now for this position, but good news, we only need one. Um, so before you tonight is the opportunity to review and potentially select um this person to fill in on the citizens oversight committee for the PTA parent member position. Thank you. So, just out of curiosity, if someone were to say no, not that we're going to, they would just not be an oversight committee. No, we still have enough members to conduct our business. This is to fill
057that vacancy. We're current. Yeah. So, we're currently running with one missing member. Okay. Just It didn't sound like you said that to me, so that's why. Thank you very much. Um, any questions? Is there only one vacancy on there, not two? Yes, there's just one. Only one. Okay. I must have been reading. Oh, you know what? Um, we did. That's because we did get the resignation letter for the um tax agency. So, you're correct. We do have two um because last time we we accepted that resignation. Okay. Thank you. Any other discussion? So now we're dismissing a tax person. Remind us what's missing. So um it's a representative from a bonafide tax organization. Taxpayers organization. Y Okay, that's correct. Thank you. Any public comment? Okay. Do I have a motion? I'll move to approve. And
058I would like to say also thank you for stepping up and um fellow Alhamra grad. So someone who's a lifelong resident I think will be really um benefit to our group. Yep. Agreed. And I will second. Student rep I. All those in favor? I so moved. Next we have review and adoption of resolution number 2025-22 final layoff resolution for certified for certificated excuse me employees Janelle Ayat tonight before US board resolution 2025-22 which authorizes um the superintendent or designate to give notice on behalf of the board as required under ED code before May 15th to the employee named in the resolution and we're asking for the board's approval of the resolution. Any questions, discussion? Any public comment? Do I have a motion? Sorry. Wait, quick question. Do I get to vote on this item? Okay.
059Thank you. Lucky you. Um, yeah, I'm I I somebody's got to do it, so nobody wants to do it. I will um move to approve the resolution. Second. All those in favor? I. So moved. Next, we have review and adoption of resolution number 2025-23, final layoff resolution for classified employees, Janelle Ayat. This is a similar process. Board resolution 2025-23 is being brought forward which is um would authorize the issuance of final layoff notice to our classified employees named in the resolution. And in order to meet um our timelines, the staff are recommending approval of this resolution. Thank you. And just to let everybody know that again if we get more funding or something, these people can be brought back. Um do you have any discussion? Any public comment? Do I have a motion? I guess
060I'll do it this time. I'll move to approve the resolution 2025-23 final layoff resolution for classified employees. All second. All those in favor? I I. So moved. Next up, we have adoption of CSBA updates March 2025. Helen Rossy. At the last meeting, I brought the um March 2025 CSBA updates to the board for um review, and tonight I'm bringing them back for adoption. Okay. Do we have any questions, public comment? Do we have a motion? I'll make a motion to approve the adoption of the CSBA updates for March 2025. Seconded. Student rep I. All those in favor? I so moved. Next we have review and adoption of administrative regulation 13:30 use of Nollesfield on Sundays. Andy Cannon. Uh at the direction of the board um we did change the hours of operations for Nollesfield on
061AR 13:30. And before you tonight is that administrative regulation for the board to decide if they want to uh approve that adjustment to the Sunday schedule. Thank you. Yeah, I think it was great that we kept the 9:00 a.m. I mean, sorry, the 10 a.m. on there. Um, and I don't think we have anything negative. So, um, I think it's a good good decision. We get a little bit extra money. They rent it. Um, any other discussion? Any public comments? Do I have a motion? I'll move to approve AR 1330. Second. Student rep. I. All those in favor? I I so moved. Next we have adoption of governance handbook. Helen Rossy. um two weeks ago I brought the governance handbook that we revised on February 1st um to the board for re last review before
062adoption. Wanted to know if anyone found anything that was wrong in there before the board adopts. Not that we can't change it again and again and again, but um it's here tonight for adoption. So, thank you. Any questions? Any comments? Um I I think my only comment is I think this is um worthwhile exercise that we started doing a couple years ago. Um and I thought our February 1 workshop was really productive. Um unfortunately got cut a little bit short by the refinery fire, but we were still able to get done what we needed to get done. So um thank you everybody that gave up their Saturday to be here for that. Yeah, I will echo that. And also, you know, we've been through a lot of iterations of this and this to me is
063like the cleanest, easiest version. So, thank you for Helen, I'm sure, and whoever else worked on it um for the hard work because I think this is really, really accessible and clear and it will be published online once we approve it. Right. It's online as a draft. Great. So, perfect. I think I think it's good to have for um someone new coming on to Yes. to have and then updates like I said anytime. Yeah. No, I appreciate the work you put into it. Um, did we have any public comment on that? No. Okay. Do I have a motion? I will move to approve the updated governance handbook. I'll second. Student rep. All those in favor? I. So moved. Next we have amendment to the superintendent's contract. So historically a superintendent receives the same increase as
064the rest of the employee groups increases retroactive to July 1st as it is for the 202425 school year. Um it is 1% is what h is what um we're looking for. So is there any discussion on that? I'd like to start by saying um I believe this is a welldeserved increase. I think just along the same lines of how we gave all of our other teachers and our administrators and our classified employees this raise and that statement that we find their work valuable definitely applies to our current superintendent. I know she does so much different work, even just dealing with all of us and all of my questions every week about different board policies and things and the effort that she's constantly making for our students in order to try and make sure that decisions
065are made with them as the focus. And so I think this is 100% deserved. I know that she is on her way out. Um, and in some ways I think that this is a very right thank you and final acknowledgement of everything that she has done for our district. And you don't get a vote on this one, by the way. I know that. That's why I had to say everything. And I agree with everything you said. I think when we voted on this last year, I said that I think um we're getting a bargain with all of the knowledge and um hard work that Helen puts in. and I know for a fact that she works all hours of the day and weekend because I often talk to her and see her working at those
066times. So, um yeah, thank you for all thank you for everything, Helen. And I'll take as many opportunities as I can until June 30th to say it. Yeah. And um I also wanted to just echo that um we also appreciate this is you're not leaving, you're retiring, you're not quitting. And it's been really um generous of you to always say that the new superintendent, whoever that person would be, can call you and you know and ask you questions. And we really appreciate that you've always taken the time to um put the students first and um you know, make this a community, you know, a wonderful school and place that people want to work and students like to come to. Uh, we do have any other comments or questions. Well, I was just going to say
067I had other things to say and then I think um Lizzie and Courtney, you and Tony, you all captured it and Helen, if you don't know, but I think you know how much I appreciate all of the hard work and I think a lot of people who are getting ready to retire would have slowed down in the last couple of months and I think if anything you have accelerated to make sure that you are leaving us in the best possible condition when you leave. So very much appreciated. Do we have any comments? Any other comments or no? We do have a public comment you guys. Okay. Um Ron McCauley, she knew exactly Thank you. And tell your mom we hope she feels better. Uh, next we have Mary Writtenhouse. Thank you. Um, do we have
068a motion? I will enthusiastically move to approve the amendment to the superintendent's contract. A second. All those in favor? I I I. So moved and we don't need any more additional comments from the public. So comments from the superintendent, board members, and future agenda items. We'll start with you, Lizzy. Okay. Well, this is my third to last meeting. So there's two more after this, which which is exciting, but also a little bit sad. So very bittersweet. Um, 38 more days, actual days until graduation, although I think it's somewhere closer to only 27 school days. The clock is definitely ticking. AP testing is next week. I'd like to say thank you to all of our AP stu AP teachers at the high school for your dedication in getting us here. And to all of the students
069who will be participating in AP testing, good luck and get lots of sleep, please. Thank you. I hope you take that advice also and don't forget to hydrate. Um, yeah, the only thing I was going to say is I'm going to the opening night of Joseph in the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and I'm very excited. It's one of my favorite musicals. I've seen it a few different times in different places and I'm excited to see AHS and the fabulous program put it on. I'm also going to be attending the play. Uh, and uh, the Bull Pups music booster is very close to reaching their goal. And there's a couple other opportunities to go out and donate or if you just want to give them some money. Uh, and I believe there'll be an ice bucket
070challenge for one of the teachers if they reach that goal. So, you can Which teacher? Um, I it might make a difference on how much I donate. Is it Miss Flansbomb? Yes, it is. Miss Flansbomb. Yes. So, please go out and support that. I too hope to make it to the musical this weekend. I want to take a moment um to recognize the retiring Jerry Weiner who was my teacher for four years at Alhambor High School and was the first um advisor to the GSA um which is I think has been taken over by his work wife Sarah Stafford. Um, and I he is a person. Sorry, I get like when you go I don't even know what I'm going to do. I have to have someone proxy. I've already told people like I can't
071say anything about you when you leave because I can't I'm not going to get through it. But um I think everyone who knows Jerry knows that he is a person who just embodies acceptance and love for all of his students. And I think that he his retirement as with with yours is very welld deserved. he will absolutely leave a hole at Alhhamra that I hope we can fill because it is a a space where he is providing to students and I think in these times kids really need those safe people. Um and he's just made a beautiful program. So happy retirement to you. Sad to see you go but happy next adventure. Um, I also plan to go to that play. So, um, I think it'll be very well attended. And, um, what was going
072to say? Oh, and our next board meeting is next week on Monday. So, there's no time in between. Um, so you'll see us again in a week. Um, that's it. So, um, thank you for all the wonderful words this evening and for the consideration of the increase. And I'm not going to say too much more right now, but I am going to put out on Friday um a newsletter that's going to have all of the end of the year events in it and the beginning of the year events that we have in place. So, uh parents, when you get that, make sure you hold on to it so that you have it for reference. We do have our um just for planning for for our outgoing and our incoming student board reps. We have uh
073planned on May 19th, which is your last meeting. Just a quick um introduction and recognition for the both of you. So, make sure you have that on your calendars. Okay. We may be changing that to the 20th. In fact, we were going to talk to you about that. Okay. That's going to be on the next agenda. So, the Tuesday the 20th, please. It might be the 20th. Are you both available on the 20th? I will be available on the 20th. Okay. Good. Okay. So, we're going to have to figure that out. Yes. Nikki is not available and I will change my plate. Okay. Thank you. So, okay. How and we'll I'll talk to cabinet because I'm not sure what they are. So, they'll have to talk. So, one of those days we'll be we'll be
074saying you. Okay. How's that? All right. Okay. So, um with that said, I'm not going to say another thing. So, okay. So, with that, it is 7:43 and we're adjourning the meeting. Good night, everyone.