Mt. Diablo USD Board Meeting 8/27/2025 Part 2

001Good evening everyone. I'm reconvening the board meeting of August 27th, 2025 at uh what 6:04 p.m. Thank you for your patience and uh please note that our student trustee Barrera O Rihanna has joined us for this evening. Our uh preliminary business is the land acknowledgement. We recognize that the Mount Diabil Unified School District sits on the territory of the confederated villages of the Lassan, the ancestral and unseated land of the Bay Miwok and northern Yokat, the successors of the sovereign Verona Band of Contraosta County. As members of the Mount Diablo Unified School District community, it is vitally important that we not only recognize the history of the land on which we learn, but also we recognize that the land we inhabit and learn on is the ancestral land of these people who are alive and

002flourishing members of the Mount Diablo Unified School District and broader Bay Area communities today. Please stand for the pledge of allegiance. So, uh, we're ready for approval of the minutes of the meeting held on August 13th. >> I move to approve the minutes for the regular board meeting for August 13, 2025. >> Second. >> Is that Mr. McDougall that made the second? So, the motion to approve the minutes of August 13th was made by Trustee Mason with a second by Trustee McDougall. Um, our student board member, how do you vote? Yes, >> thank you. >> And the motion is adopted 500 with support from our student trustee. The next item is 6.4 for review and approval of the agenda. Dr. Clark, are there any changes? >> No changes, Madam President. >> I'll make a motion

003that we approve the agenda as presented. >> Second. >> The motion is made by Trustee Mason with a second by Trustee Ensali. Uh, Trustee Barrera Oana. How do you vote? >> Yes. >> Thank you. The motion is adopted with a 5000 vote and support from our student trustee uh for the report out of action taken in close section which is uh section seven on our agenda uh for the liability claim. claim. The board met in close session and by a vote of 5 to zero voted to reject a liability claim for the damages pursuant to government code section 54956.95 by SS against the Mount Diablo Unified School District. Uh and item 7.2 uh we have a readmission or an admission of student trustee McDougall. >> Yes. I move to approve the admission of student A26

004to the regular schools in the Monteo Unified School District. >> Second. >> We have a a motion by trustee McDougall with a second by Trustee Enzi. Um >> our student trustee was not involved in the information for the close session agenda item, so I won't be calling on you for that one. Um please Vote at this time. and the motion is adopted on a 500 vote. Thank you very much trustees. Now we're ready to move on to public comment. The board may uh the public may address the board regarding any item within the jurisdiction of the board of education of the Mount Diablo Unified School District that is not on this agenda. Speakers must submit a speaker card to the board secretary. The board president will call each speaker to the podium as appropriate. These

005presentations are limited to three minutes each for a total of 30 minutes for all speakers or the three minute time limit may be shortened. If there are multiple speakers on any one subject, the public comment period may be moved to the end of the meeting. Speakers are not allowed to yield their time. Public comment will also be allowed on each specific agenda item prior to board action. In accordance with the Brown Act, the board may not take action or engage in dialogue on the items that are not posted on the agenda. 11. Okay, we have 11 cards and um I will accept public comment on all 11 if everybody's uh feels that's satisfactory and uh but please we will limit it to three minutes each and if someone has said something uh prior to you

006maybe you can just say um I agree with the speaker before me. The first speaker is Stacy Florine. >> Good evening, Dr. Clark, trustees, members of the board. I am here to speak to you on behalf of our media union regarding our class size recommendations for classrooms. Yesterday's announcement did not include information that you were only recommending to reduce the class size by one. Media has asked for a recommendation of different numbers in our classrooms. And I would like to tell you based on my observations of classroom behavior in our schools these last few weeks, the recommendation that Madier is putting forward is not just a recommendation. It is necessary for these students survival and success here at school. I encourage you please to continue to work with media to negotiate reduced class sizes for

007our students. Thank you. >> Thank you. The the next speaker the next speaker is Ian Muslin. >> Uh thank you. I have a uh statement prepared uh Ian Madison from Elorado Middle School that are uh a short statement from our teachers here that I'd like to read. Uh why are we all here? We are all here because we want what's best for our students. We are all here because we have a passion for our community. Uh while it is great that the district has decided to offer teachers something, we know the district has enough resources to offer us a fair contract. We have an alarming number of newcomers, students with IEPs, and students who all require specific support that we currently cannot provide. We asked for support, but we were still given the answer no.

008We can't be expected to raise test scores, math scores without an actual means of supporting students. So, we would like to make this quick. We would like a fair contract, an offer that's not only fair for teachers, but will benefit everyone. Thank you. >> Thank you. The next next speaker is Ivan Orana. >> Thank you. Uh good evening Dr. Clark. Uh board. Quick little statement that I had prepared. As a public educator, a veteran of the United States military, and former sergeant, I know and understand the value of hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to others. In the army, I was trained and to put service above self, to build strong bonds within units and groups, and to recognize that success and growth depends on investing in our people. Education is no different. Teachers are on

009the front lines of shaping the future of our communities and country. My military experience has taught me many things, but above all that every single mission requires resources. This principle is not limited to the military, but extends to the mission of educating our youth. It is not an exception. As every single person here can attest, yourselves included, quality education depends on attracting and retaining highly qualified educators. Adequate resources are not just about fairness. It is about ensuring that talented, dedicated professionals see teaching as a sustainable and respectable career. We ask teachers to inspire, to innovate, and to guide the next generation. Yet, time and time again, we fail to compensate them at a level that reflects their impact. When we underpay educators, we send a message that their work is not valued. And that message

010ripples into our classrooms and ultimately our communities. As both a veteran and an educator, I understand duty and I am committed to the mission of education. But commitment alone cannot solve systemic inequities. If we want to build strong schools and prepare students for a future of opportunity, then we must invest in teachers through fair and competitive contracts. Appropriate contracts are not a luxury. It is a a necessity for the benefit of our students and the stability the relationships that we build with them. I encourage you to reconsider the paid benefits and contracts, including class sizes set forth in future contracts. Thank you. >> The next speaker is Eric Clifton. >> Is Mr. Clifton available? I guess you didn't hear me. Do I gotta turn this thing on? Oh, there we go. Um, hi everyone. I'm

011Mr. Clifton. I teach at Horizon's uh 34 combo. Um, this is my 24th year in the district. Woo! That's what I'm talking about, baby. Um, I don't have anything prepared. I'm going to just speak to you from the heart. Man, you should if we told you all the stories of and the impact we made on our students, you'd need a tissue. You'd need a whole box. I'm telling you. Um, when it was my 10th year in, someone from the district, I won't say who, it's all good. I told them, you know what, our kids, they're all going to college. The district, the administrators there were harping on us about, "We don't do good enough." Um, and I told them, "What are you talking about? All my kids, they go on, they're they're successful. They're coming

012back and visiting me." Really? Yeah. For real. And now it's my 24th year. They're still coming back. my first class. They're 35 years old. I see them all the time. I don't recognize them every time. What's up, Mr. I'm like, "Oh my god, how are you, boss? How you doing, man?" Wow. All kinds. They're doing all kinds of stuff. They have their own businesses. They're in the military, doctors, lawyers, um advancing their education, uh in the community right here, um raising a beautiful family. All of them. They're just doing great. So we inspire, we teach, man, we are our our job is so important. I know you know that. And if you have 200 plus million, you could hire you could get the whole all the 49ers. I looked at their payroll, 216 million. We

013could get them all in here. Maybe then you'd go, "Oh, oh my gosh, look at that. You got Christian McCaffrey. Whatever. We'll get there later." But you could do it. Um, our job is just as important more. Actually, even more. They'll tell you. Ask them. Ask people. But you know that. So, we're here to say, "Hey, give us a fair contract. You can do it. We're done with the three years and oh, we have nothing. And here's this little penny and nothing for the second and third." We're done with that. We've been there 24 years. I've seen it too many times. Don't waste our time. Show us the respect we we give to the kids and the community every day. They love us. >> Pray again. Pray again. Thank you board for this opportunity to

014go ahead and speak to you again. The district does have $213 million in reserve. We need to look to spend that for our students. I want you to turn to your neighbor and go ahead and tell them what the district could spend $213 million on. Waterfall. Waterfall. See, it works. Even in a boardroom of this size, that's what we're dealing with at each of our sites when we're talking about class sizes of 31 within kindergarten. 34 within fourth and fifth grade. middle schoolers and high schoolers for math. It's amazing what our educators are able to do with class sizes that large. This is my 23rd year within the district lead by one. And my background overall is in I had a whole career before this. My degree was in economics and statistics from Cal Berkeley.

015I was in insurance and financial services. I've looked at numbers. Those class-iz numbers don't work. Holding a reserve of $213 million doesn't work. It's not those best for Our students do deserve more nurses and counselors and SLPs. Our teachers deserve a salary increase that can keep pace with inflation, not 2.3% in the first year with the possibility of a reopener. We need to respect our educators, attract and retain them with benefits, fully paid medical benefits, not an 8020 split. Our special educators should not be forced to complete things, including IEPs, on their own time. our members. Our members waterfall. Oh, thank you. Members should be paid for that work that they do. It's only fair. The district continues to mislead and misrepresent within their communications. It is not right. It is not right. Last >>

016we so stand firm with all of our members overall in our fight for our schools. >> Thank you, Mr. Yan. >> Mrs. Swanson, >> Elizabeth Swanson. [Music] Good evening, Dr. Clark. Good evening, trustees. Recently, we've been in the news, right? We had a cow matters article come out with people who visited my classroom. I was super excited because I wanted to show what researchbased evidence shows that helps children learn. When we have a really small class size, guess what I can do? I can see the asset in every single child in my classroom. I can reach out and speak to every family and find out what their assets are and bring it into my classroom. That's something that I get to do here at Mount Diablo. Something that wasn't included in the article that I

017wanted to make sure that you knew about that I stand on some broad shoulders. We often forget about our zero to3 teachers, those home care providers, those preschool private te school teachers that are working really hard to prepare our children for TK and they make below the poverty level. We need to always in our society remember those early childhood providers. The second shout out goes to our aids. I could not do the job I do without my aid. Today I had three children who needed some assistant with toileting. Toileting is not something that's just physical. It's emotional. It's a loving thing. It's where you take that small hand in your hand and you say, "You got this, baby. I'll show you how." In a small class of 10, I got to help those babies. So

018did my assistant. I had two children crying because that's what three-year-olds do when they miss their moms. But guess what? Because I had an aid and I had only 10 children. Before long, those children join me on the circle and we could create a community and a family. This is what small classiz does for children and our families. Recently, we have anou about toileting saying that our aids are supposed to help with toileting, but they were not informed of this. I think we need to do a better job of making sure that they're included in the conversation. They were offered, my aid was offered a dollar more an hour to assist with this. That's below the poverty line. She deserves better. These aids who work in these jobs with small children, they deserve better in

019our culture. Lastly, I saw in the contract that it stated we could have a maximum of 32 TK students full day. How am I supposed to if I have 10 children and I have three who need me to help them into crying? How can I make sure to get their needs met? I want to make sure that we raise confident, strong children here at Mount Diablo that can self-care. So, please, as you consider class size, let's set them up for success. That's what we want to do. That's what you want to do. That's what we all want to do. So, make sure you're considering that, please. And thank you so much for hearing my words today. Next speaker is Austin Das. >> Good evening, members of the board. Tonight, I'm not speaking for myself. I

020could go on all night about problems we face in special education. Tonight, I'm speaking for someone else that I represent. This is a math teacher who I actually had and now I get to work with him. I grew up in this district. I went to Valhalla Valley View in College Park and have now been teaching for 30 years at Foothill Middle School. I love this district. I just wish it would love me back. The district's latest offer feels insulting, especially when learning about the half a million dollars spent hiring on a union busting organization. We need we need a fair contract now. Thank you. Next speaker is Karen Jenkins. >> Good evening. Thank you, superintendent, board members, and especially our student board member. I just want to start by saying I agree with everyone who

021spoke before me, especially Austin Das, who was one of my students and one of the neighborhood kids in my neighborhood. I'm a former student of the Mount Aaba district, a parent of former students, a longtime teacher who's been teaching 30 years, most of it, in this district, and I still live in this area. I'm embarrassed to be here again, begging for a fair contract and a livable wage. This is not about me personally. I love driving a minivan. I don't need a house cleaner. I'm wearing my daughter's handme-down jazz band shirt. But I'm looking around for 20 looking out for 20 year olds like Austin, my colleagues, 30 year olds, 40 year olds who cannot afford to live without roommates. They shouldn't have to have spouses to buy homes. They shouldn't have to live with

022their parents. And it is time. I was coming here to these meetings with little kids doing a picnic like it in that same corner and we are past that. That should not still be happening. Um, board of directors, you are the negotiators. I know there's a team, but you are the ones who direct that team in what to do. Dr. Clark, please don't start a community propaganda plan where you tell the community they're going to lose music and science and AIDS. That was not that was not a good look. Um, everybody, please don't just put yourself in the feet of a teacher who might be your neighbor or your son or daughter or niece or nephew or friend. put yourself in the shoes of a six-year-old who's going to go through this school district and

023their parents who want longevity in their teachers and they want this to be a destination school district with good things to come. Thank you very much. Oh, and Kip, Cararissa, Kevin, you can put me on the ballot. The next speaker is Brett Halped. >> All right. Uh, Dr. Clark board members. I am so happy to be back in front of you and I am so incredibly encouraged by all of our teacher stories all throughout the district every single day. We give up more than is required of us to do this job because we love it. And there is nothing that would benefit us more than not having to keep doing this again and again, cycle after cycle. for so many years. Our specialists, our special education teachers, our nurses, our counselors, our SLPs, our I

024know I'm forgetting various groups. Librarians, thank you, Craig. They have been told and have heard the words, "Wait, your time will come." Year after year, we seem to manage to get to this point and their working conditions are not addressed. We have some of the highest case loads for our nurses, our counselors, our SLPs, our special ed educators of any districts around in the area. And when we talk about the health and well-being of all of our students, it's not just us in the classroom who affect that. In many cases, it's so many of our small groups within our bargaining unit that have such an outsized impact on whether a child feels comfortable to come to school, whether they have the means to process some trauma they're going through. And with our experience as teachers,

025we are enriched every day by their presence. And so when I say we stand united and will take our bargaining asks for these specialty groups and members to the very end this time we mean it. The health and well-being of our students is everything. And at the same time, so many of these members represent such a small percentage of our total faculty that helping them help our students is peanuts to the budget. We stand united behind all our special groups, all our bargaining unit members, and all our teachers in the district because next next speaker is Julia Jameson. Julia Jameson. Good evening, President Mayo, Vice President Mason, and Trustees Lawrence McDougall and Inway. My name is Julia Jameson, and I am the co-chair of the Mount Diablo Education Association's bargaining team. The mediation update message

026that the district sent to the community yesterday ended with a statement, quote, "The district remains committed to reaching an agreement that addresses the primary interests of our staff and serves our students and the greater district community." End quote. However, the district clearly does not understand that the primary interests of your staff are not limited to salary and benefits. Again yesterday, the district rejected the addition of the following language to the con collective bargaining agreement. All bargaining unit members shall be provided a respectful working environment that is free from discrimination, bullying, harassment, and intimidation. The following behaviors are inconsistent with a respectful working environment and are impermissible. verbal abuse, which includes but is not limited to obscene, threatening, humiliating, harassing, or intimidating language, and non-verbal abuse, which includes acts that are threatening, humiliating, harassing, or intimidating.

027Individual, group, or schoolwide meetings shall not be utilized to threaten, humiliate, harass, or intimidate bargaining unit members. Bargaining unit members shall suffer no retaliation for reporting, grieving, or protesting workplace discrimination, bullying, harassment, or intimidation. If you are aware that your team has repeatedly rejected this language, what possible reason could you have for denying your educators a contract that protects them from bullying, harassment, and abuse? If you are not aware that your team has repeatedly rejected this language, what else don't you know about the proposals exchanged by your team and media? I respectfully suggest that you find the answers to that question. >> Next speaker is Melissa Ayelo Beam. Melissa. >> Good evening. My name is Melissa Ayel Beam and this is my 15th year teaching in MDUSD. As a teacher, I know how much we

028value our prep time and those who provide those preps for us, our librarians and music teachers. We also could not do our jobs without the help of our counselors, SLPs, and nurses who provide our students with muchneeded support. We stand united behind our librarians, counselors, music teachers, SLPs, and nurses. They have gone years without meaningful improvements to their working conditions, and they should not have to wait any longer. We need a fair contract for all of our media members. Thank you. We're ready to move on to item 9.0, communications. 9.1 is district organizations. Uh, a single spokesperson of each represented district organization may make a brief presentation. Items are limited to those which areformational. Mrs. Ortega, welcome. [Music] Good evening, President Mayo, trustees, Dr. Clark, members of the audience, and I want to start off

029by thanking my media members for coming out tonight in support of our media's bargaining team efforts to settle a contract. Thank you. And I'm sorry that we are not next door at a much larger venue as twice before I was denied my request for a bigger meeting space. So I refuse to ask again. So here we are in a crowded room and this is just another example of how our district responds to our teachers request. I want to thank our members for speaking up. Every one of you are brave to come and share your story and I thank you for that. I wish I could report out how easy the start of the school year has been for our students and teachers. But instead, and I am not smiling, I have a list that needs

030to be addressed. If we really want to ensure a high quality learning and teaching environment for all students and teachers, we need to do the following. First, this is what's come up across my desk. The three elementary school sites that have gone through renovation still have not have their ceiling tiles. It's very difficult to teach when it's echoing and you have a room full of 31 students, kindergarteners singing. It it's it's really can be very loud. Cute, but very loud. From what I understand, the maintenance department is still hearing or waiting on bids. So, why is this taking so long? This should have been included in the initial plan. Second, I have also been told that at some of these school sites, teachers are still waiting in almost over a year on teacher desks, bookshelves,

031and window coverings. Some have been waiting um and been promised, but still are not receiving what they've asked for. Why is this taking so long? This should have also been included in the planning. Third, not all classrooms are cleaned every day. At some school sites, I've been hearing that there are bugs that have been sitting in a corner for a while. I don't understand how at one school, every classroom is being cleaned and yet at other school sites, it's not. Don't all our students deserve a clean learning space. Fourth, I've also been informed that our kindergarten teachers are being asked to administer a new assessment this year without being trained. With so many working in this district office building, how is it that two departments cannot communicate with each other and discuss a calendar? I

032feel like I've this is a repeat of last year. Our kindergarten teachers are being asked to complete an assessment and to learn about how to administer it on their own time and if they have questions to make an appointment with somebody somewhere in this district office. When is supposed when this is supposed to have happened? When our teach when is this supposed to happen? when our teachers are supposed to be with their students. How are they supposed to learn and teach themselves if they're supposed to be with their students? As an educator, I would never give my students a test before I teach them a subject. So, why are you asking our teachers to give a test to our littlest students before teachers are trained on administrating the test? As a teacher, I can tell

033you this is backward thinking. Again, those who work in this administrative office building are so far removed from the actual work that is being done at our school sites. Please, I need you all to consider how your decisions affect our students and our educators. Please communicate with each other. Over and over, I hear the importance of test scores. And yet, the tools and supports our educators need to support our students are not provided. as mentioned from my colleague over at Alorado, he was he was right on on that. I hear it every day across our district. What I've h what I have outlined today is just one more example of what is lacking. Now, in regard to negotiations and the district's recent proposal, it mentioned that the district can only provide a one-year salary increase

034and a reopener for the next two years because the district is now sure not sure of future costs to the budget. Recently, I heard someone say, "Show me your budget and I will show you your priorities." So, I ask you, what are your priorities? This school district says it champions student success and values the teachers who make that possible. But when we look at what this district is choosing to spend money on, I'm not really sure. This district has provide has approved to pay the services of an outside law firm attorney to attend every bargaining session. This is in addition to employing an in-house lawyer. This district has approved for several years now to pay an outside business to prepare your social media posts at a cost of a half a million dollars a year.

035This is in addition to employing an in-house publicist to write and post the Friday newsletter. Then this district approves eliminating positions that directly affect our students like eliminating intervention teachers or not hiring full-time librarians or lowering class sizes and case loads. Is this the best interest of our students? But employing a second publicist is or paying a name partner in a law firm. If a budget is a reflection of your priorities and you are spending new money on publicists and consulting firms and not your classrooms, students and teachers, what your budget is saying is that you are more interested in looking good than doing what's best for our students. As I said earlier, you have classrooms with no ceiling tiles, classrooms not being cleaned every day, classrooms missing teacher desks and window coverings. What has

036made what has made in your most recent offer to your teachers your largest employee group, your employees that work directly with our students. your employees who work directly affects all students educational outcomes is not prioritizing what is best for our students. Thank you. >> Thank you, Miss Ortega. Uh we're ready to move on to 10.0 recognition and resolutions. Uh 10.1 is the approval of resolution 25/26 in recognition of suicide prevention month. Dr. Clark. Okay. Thank you very much, Madame President. Tonight I have before you resolution 2526-1, suicide prevention awareness month. Whereas suicide is one of the leing leading causes of death amongst youth aged 10 to 14. And while it remains a serious public health concern, suicide is preventable through increased awareness, timely intervention, and access to mental health resources. Whereas the Mount Aba Unified

037School District is committed to fostering safe, inclusive, and supportive school environments that promote the academic success, mental health, and overall well-being of all students. So now therefore be it resolved that the board of education of the Mount Diablo Unified School District proclaims the month of September as suicide prevention awareness month and reaffirms it commitment to fostering mental wellness and safety across all our school communities. Madame President, I leave this resolution in the hands of the board. Madame President, I move that the board uh approve resolution 2526-1 in recognition of suicide prevention month. >> I'll second that. >> So, we have a motion by Trustee Lawrence with a second by Trustee McDougall. Trusty Lawrence, do you wish to say anything further? >> No. >> Okay. Anyone else have board comments? All right. Uh Trusty Berana or

038Rayana, how do you vote? Yes. And the motion is adopted on a 5000 vote with support from our student trustee. The next item is 10.2 to a resolution in recognition of Deaf Awareness Month and International Week of Deaf People. Yes, Madame President, I bring before you resolution 25/26-2, Deaf Awareness Month, International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages. Whereas the deaf community includes a diverse range of individuals including those who are culturally deaf and use and use American Sign Language which is ASL as a primary language as well as those who are deaf, blind or heart of hearing and who may use various communication methods and technologies such as hearing aids um cular implants and alternative augmentative communications. and whereas in enriched by the unique cultural and linguistic heritage of the deaf

039community including American Sign Language which is fully which is a fully recognized language with its own grammar and structure. Now therefore, be it resolved that the governing board of the Mount Diablo Unified School District hereby proclaims September 2025 as Deaf Awareness Month inter and um uh September 22nd to 28th will be International Week of Deaf People. And on September 23rd, we will hold a special day for International Day of Sign Languages. Madame President, I now leave this item in the hands of the board. Madame President, I move that the board approve resolution 2526-2 in recognition of Deaf Awareness Month, uh, International Week of Deaf People, September 22nd through 28th, and International Day of Sign Languages, September 23rd. >> I'll second. >> Thank you. >> So, we have a motion by Trustee Lawrence with a second

040by our student trustee, um, Brena Oriela, I'm sorry I'm going to stumble over your name and I apologize. Um, is there further discussion on this resolution? >> Can I >> Yes, trust and >> just reflecting on um the resolution as was just read by Dr. Clark, I'd be remiss to also as you emphasize that um ASL is a is a a language with its own rules and grammar and it's very spe it's American Sign Language. Um I why I missed the last meeting is I was putting on a symposium that was around dismantling linguistic oppression for black language. Um and it was about spoken language but there is also black ASL um which is also a language in this in the United States that has its own roles and own grammar and there are many

041other um forms of sign language um depending and sign language is also very regional. So it's the way you sign may be different if you're from Appalachia versus LA. Um and so just language is beautiful. All languages whether it's signing or spoken. So I just wanted to acknowledge that. >> Thank you. >> Further discussion. >> How do you vote? >> Yes. >> Thank you. and the motion is adopted on a 500 vote with support from our student trustee. We'll move on to item 10.3 uh attendance awareness month, Dr. Clark. Madame President um it is well known that if students are not in school they cannot learn what we are um providing for them. So resolution 25/26-08 is recognizing September as attendance awareness month. Whereas daily attendance is essential to student achievement and graduation and we

042are committed to dedicating our attention to ensuring that all students have access to rich and supportive learning opportunities in all instructional settings. So now, therefore, be it resolved that the Mount Alaba Unified School District proclaims that our schools will stand with the nation in recognizing September as attendance awareness month. We hereby commit to our continued focus on reducing chronic absenteeism to give all students an equitable opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Madame President, I now leave this item in the hands of the board. Madame President, I'd like to move that we approve the resolution 25/26-08 September as attendance aware awareness month. We'll second that and acknowledge that after COVID across the nation, attendance is down 50% to what it was before. And so I encourage and it also in the workforce

043that as Dr. Clark says, "Your kids need to be in school every day. Don't take them out of school to go shopping where I constantly see them. Send them to school. That's where they need to be safe and learning." So, we have a motion by Trustee uh McDougall with a second by Trustee Mason. Is there further discussion? Trusty Barana or Rayana. How do you vote? >> Yes. >> Thank you. The motion is adopted on a 5 Z00 vote with support from our student trustee. Dr. Clark, we're ready for Hispanic Heritage Month resolution. >> Madame President, I'm very proud to bring this resolution forward. We have resolution 25/26-09 in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, which is September 15 through October 15th. Whereas the month of September 15th to October 15th was designated as Hispanic Heritage Month

044by the United States Congress in 1988. And whereas we acknowledge that National Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize and pay tribute to the significant contributions and achievements of generations of Hispanic and Latino Americans who serve our nation in business, government, the military, law, education, science, athletics, the arts, and other fields. So now, therefore, be it resolved that the Mount Diablo Unified School District Governing Board hereby recognizes, honors, and celebrates the many contributions, heritage, and history of Hispanic, Latinos, Latinos, Latinx people during our annual commemoration and proclamation of Hispanic Heritage Month and encourages all schools and classrooms to commemorate this occasion and with appropriate instructional materials. Madame President, I leave this um resolution in the hands of the board. >> I motion to approve resolution 2526-09 proclaiming September 15th through October 15th as Hispanic

045Heritage Month. >> I'll second that. >> We have a motion by trustee Birana or Rayana uh with a second by trustee Mason. Is there further discussion? >> I was going to ask Dr. Clark, could you share the percentage of our district that is um Hispanic or Latino? >> Approximately 42%. >> From all over South America, not and the Caribbean. >> Any further comments? >> How would you vote? >> Yes. and the motion is adopted on a 500 vote with support from our student trustee who made the motion. Thank you. Um, we're ready to move on to um the public appointment. Dr. Clark. >> Yes. But before we do that, we're going to review and potential approval of a new job description, which is um the one of uh principal and adult education. So, this is

046an action item and so we are um we are seeking approval on the new job description. I'm I move to approve the job the new job description for principal adult education. >> A second. Who was the second? I'm sorry. Okay. So, we have a tr a motion by trustee and sayi with a second by trustee uh Barrera Orana. Further discussion. I appreciate the work that went into the job description. And the motion to approve the new job description uh is adopted on a 5000 vote with support from our student trustee. >> Um Dr. Clark. >> Yes. Um I'm going to have our wonderful HR team handle um items 11.2 and 11.3. >> Good evening, Dr. Clark board president Mayo trustees the human resources department is bringing for the board's review and potential approval the appointment

047of Elaine Alvipe as the director of college career and adult education. Elaine has over 30 years of experience in education as a teacher principal and district administrator with a strong focus of equity, economic mobility and creating workforce and career pathways. She has served as a teacher and administrator at all levels of education from preschool to adult school, strengthening partnerships and championing championing opportunities for underserved communities. Elaine earned her bachelor's degree in religious studies from UC Berkeley, a master's in teachings from John F. Kennedy University, a masterers in curriculum and instruction from California State University Hayward, and a master's in educational leadership from California State University East Bay. She holds a multiple subject teaching credential and administrative services credential. Born and raised in the Bay Area to immigrant parents, Ela is a proud first generation college

048graduate. She is active in her community as a commissioner and as a board member of her local education foundation. She enjoys spending time with her family and giving back to the community that raised her. With that, I leave this appointment in the hands of the board. board members. >> I move to a point. Sorry, I get confused because my computer at home is a touchcreen. Um I move to appoint Elaine Alv is is it Alvid or Alvite? Yeah, thank you. Alvite um as director of college and career and adult education. Second. >> So we have a motion by trustee and with the second by trustee Lawrence uh regarding the appointment of Elaine Elvite for director of college and career and adult education. Further discussion >> go ahead. >> I would just uh brief briefly say

049one uh appreciate having such a highly qualified candidate uh coming forward. uh to you know something that I've not always had during the time on my board is such a uh comprehensive background uh and biography and I greatly appreciate that. Um but I would hope that we could continue to look at um how we can make more accessible to the public who is being appointed to a position. And I recognize that there are tradeoffs. Um, but the more that we can have that transparency, uh, and I certainly say this not not directed towards this candidate, but just as a statement in in general. Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, further comments, >> Trusty Barrera or Rayana, how do you vote? >> Yes. Thank you. and the motion is adopted on a 500 vote. Congratulations with

050support from our student trustee. Is it on? Good evening, President Mayo, Dr. Dr. Clark, trustees and community. I'm truly honored to be appointed as the new director of adult education. I firstly want to thank Dr. Clark and the executive cabinet for their confidence in me and the board for giving me this opportunity to serve. Um, adult education is really personally deep to me only because I believe that it doesn't just change the lives of learners, but it changes the lives of families um, entire communities. Whether we're, you know, supporting them to learn English or earn a diploma or build career skills, adult education is about creating opportunity, stability, and economic mobility. and I'm really dedicated to ensuring that that those opportunities reach all of our learners. And so I'm looking forward to working alongside this

051board, our staff, our students, and our community builders to build on the strong trajectory of this program and also to maintain its high um quality and uh continue to innovate in ways that meet all the needs of our adult learners. I also wanted to acknowledge and thank V Victoria Abate for the really incredible foundation she's built in this program and I'm privileged to be continuing the work that she started. So, thank you again for this opportunity and um I am both excited and humbled to begin this journey. >> Dr. 113. >> Good evening. The human resources department is bringing the board's review and appro and potential approval the appointment of Eric Wood as principal of adult education. Eric has worked in MDUSD for 27 years. Seven years as a special education assistant, six years as

052a special day class middle school teacher, four years as a middle school vice principal, six years as a middle school principal, and four years as an elementary school principal. Eric holds his BA in liberal arts from Cal State East Bay, and his master's degrees in special education and educational leadership from Brand Branman University. Eric is a busy father of two high school and college students. He is part of a water polo and swim family that loves to go camping and have fun. Eric's hobbies include fixing things, landscaping, and home improvement projects. With that, I leave this appointment in the hands of the board. >> Madame President, I'd like to move that we approve the certificated personal appointment for the principal of adult education, Eric Wood. >> And I would second that. And I didn't hire

053him, Dr. Clark, but I've worked with them for a long time. So, >> pardon me. Um, we have a motion by uh Trustee McDougall with a second by Trustee Mason regarding the appointment of Eric Wood as principal at adult education. Is there further discussion? Uh, Trusty Barrera or Ryana, how do you vote? >> Yes. >> Thank you. and congratulations. The motion is adopted on a 500 vote with support from our student trustee. >> Dr. Clark, thank you. Uh board president Lameo, trustees, uh I am extremely excited for a new opportunity. Uh, I'm excited to work with a new team, a new team member. Um, and I can't wait for the new adventure. So, thank you for the confidence in me. >> We'll move on to board member reports. Um, Trusty McDougall, >> my district activities

054have been quite slight in the last two weeks. So, uh, I have been busy with, uh, working with my five grandkids on the start of their education year. Kept me quite busy, uh, helping my wife and daughter. Uh, football season's coming up and I've got a full schedule here and I plan on attending lots of these games. Thank you. >> Thank you very much, Trusty Lawrence. >> Uh, thank you. Uh, in some ways, football season has already started. Uh, I was lucky enough to attend on Monday, uh, the the Northgate flag football kickoff to the season at Liberty High School. A hard-fought battle. Not a lot of points were scored, but um great great effort and something that that is near and dear to my heart because I think one of the things we've seen

055is that uh there's a significant drop off uh for girls in participation in athletics especially around the time of middle middle school. And so providing them with more opportunities uh is something that that I um very excited to see. And I I think if you look at our high schools u across the district, I'll tell you flag football is is booming. It is uh becoming quite the attraction and and something to look forward to. Um so there's that. I did want to uh touch a little bit on adult education u because I think it is just one of the hidden gems of our district. And I think when we talk about educating our students, it immediately uh most people immediately identify with kids. And yet there's such a strong program here and and such a

056great legacy. And I even think back to uh when I was first uh looking at running for the board and I met with Dick Allen who uh served on the board and as he shared with me, if you educate a parent, you're educating that whole family and the impact that has and um you know carried on by uh our former colleague Joanne Derky and all the great work that's being done in adult ed. And then the final thing I wanted to touch upon is when when I was first elected to the board, uh that same month, the tragedy in Sandy Hook occurred. And I'm reminded of that today when we hear the news that uh I believe is two students and 17 or 18 people were injured in another mass shooting in Minnesota. And it

057is every parent's worst nightmare. And yet it continues to happen unabated in this country. And um the solution to this is not more guns. The United States has more guns than we have people. Uh we have twi more than twice as many guns per capita as the next highest state, which is the Faulland Islands. Um and at the same time, we are by far the leader per capita as well as in raw numbers of the number of school shootings that continue to happen. And I think this is a a national emergency and something that we need to continue to raise our voices and focus on. Thank you. >> Thank you, Trusty Mason. >> I thought of you often today, Brian, because of that because you have brought that up repeatedly when we've had a tragedy.

058And so, um, unfortunately, we saw that again. Um, I had the pleasure of going to Riverview's middle middle school's back to school night and it was packed. Couldn't find a place to park. Parents were everywhere. I should have walked. I should know whenever it's in Shore Acres, I should just walk. Uh, and um I also went to the College Now welcome back dinner which was very well attended as well and I have been a big proponent and supporter of that program. One of the first things when I got on the board was I was asked to be on the subcommittee to to meet with the directors over at uh the college to start that. And so I thought I knew all about it. And then Dr. Fontineella gave her presentation and I realized there's a

059lot of things I didn't know that had developed over the years. The wonderful things that we're doing for kids, the connections we're making and the success we're seeing in those kids graduating. And I had the pleasure of sitting with a family from Baypoint and one of the exercise, why did you want to do this? And he was kind of at a loss for words when he was sharing with his parents. And I'm like, he wanted to do it because he knows just by attending one class at college, he's more likely to be successful when he graduates. So I gave him my card. I told him to keep in touch and it was a very enjoyable evening. And I thank uh Dr. Fontineella for all her work in developing that program. Thank you, >> Trusty and

060Zi. I didn't get to say last time, welcome back to school. That sounds like a late message, but uh welcome back um to everyone. I know too early in my own household people say people. My child says, "If only somebody could have done something about this, but I have no regrets. Child, um I miss the college now because it was my very last back to school night um for my child. Um, which was kind of a vibe. I have no idea how back to school nights go elsewhere, but there was like a DJ and food trucks. Yes. >> I know. It was It was a vibe. And I And um my child didn't come with me and then they asked what was it like. I'm like you missed out. Um so I was really thankful

061for that. And I think a lot of that is our decision and who we chose as a leader, which we know that, you know, loss for review, gain for College Park. Um, but I I do hope that everyone has had a a really amazing start to the school year and a really amazing um back to school nights if you were able to attend. Um, and to all the other graduating families out there, God speed to all of us. Um, as we embark on this last year of high school, um, this last year, this last, well, not the last chance, but kind of this beginning of launching our children into adulthood and becoming the amazing human beings that our district tries to help produce. Um, what do you say? college and career and life. I don't

062know. I don't know if you ever say life, but like college or career. So, um I think everything else was before school started because and so it doesn't even matter. I mean, it's too late. It's an old story. >> Oh, okay. Uh Trusty Ba uh Orana, what's your report tonight? Um, as the school year progresses, many seniors will be starting their college applications and as a part of the student advisory committee, one focal point will be highlighting scholarship opportunities for all seniors. Another goal is to identify extracurriculars activities for high school students so they can improve their college profile. I've also initiated communication with high school principles to form the student advisory committee and I have received some responses. I am looking forward to forming the student advisory committee. >> Thank you. Excellent report. We

063appreciate it. Um my uh report shall be um short. So uh on um August 14th, I attended this Measure J special meeting. It was which was scheduled by the chair of the Measure J committee. Two items were noticed for business. The committee bylaws and the grand jury report on Measure J. Then the following Thursday on August 21st uh there was another meeting of the major J. This was the quarterly report uh by measure J and uh Miss Coslo presented the report to the major J committee members that were able to attend. Mr. Ferrante chaired the meeting in the absence of the chairman and the vice chair and the next meeting is on November 20th. And um yesterday um I had the opportunity to attend the Contracasta Workforce Development Board presentation in partnership with the Mount

064Diablo Adult Education and the showcasing was for the EMS core program. Um, the event spotted spotlighted hands-on training, student success stories, and innovative learning tools. Uh, preparing the next generation of emergency medical technicians, EMTs, being trained in our new program, and using a new curriculum known as the EMS CPS. So um the assembled group included um members of the regional uh workforce board as well as the state workforce development board and many others. Uh I'm not doing it justice director of but the um um we had the opportunity to visit three classrooms. Uh the there was a virtual demonstration of the um uh virtual component that the students have access to where you do CPR on a a virtual image etc. It's very complicated and sophisticated. Um they also the classroom instruction is now flipped.

065So the students do their studying at night and receive the instruction and then during their classroom time it's all hands-on learning. Um and then the uh we also visited two other classrooms where they were doing CPR on uh mannequins and um we were able to ask questions of the uh students. they were divided into five squads. So there were 20 students in this particular program. The program is very successful and um the uh program also has a career path path plan where after these students finish their um and get their certificates and employed for six months, they are eligible to um take another class where they would be the um excuse me Um, now I'm drawing a blank on what the next position is. Um, paramedics. Thank you very much. I'm confusing it with some

066of the other plans for paramedics. And, um, that program in that program, uh, AMR, which is one of the ambulance providers in our county, pays for the tuition to go to the paramedic program. They receive a salary for their EMT work three days a week and then they also receive a salary for two days while they are going to paramedic school. And the hope is to increase the number of paramedics which there is a shortage in Contraosta County. And the out major outreach is to uh young people of color. And to a person there uh as I said there were uh 20 students in the class. Uh three of them were female and all were students of color. They were very excited. They were very articulate. and I was the proudest board member of this

067school district by being able to observe it. The individuals that were attending from the various workforce boards were there to look at our program, understand our success stories, and then promote its replication throughout the state. and um they were surprised to understand that we were able to achieve many hurdles in San Francisco I mean in Sacramento in one year's time where another group has been waiting four and a half years to get the same certification to be able to move forward with the program. So I want to complement our business partnerships uh that have helped make this program successful. I was keenly aware of it and proud of it to start with, but um I think this is a program that we really can be proud of. They also want to expand this career path

068from EMT to social workers, RNs, LVNs, um medical assistants, and there is one other one that I've drawn a blank on. So if when it's successful, there will be multiple career paths with uh education provided for while they are working and um it'll just increase and strengthen our community because many of these young people will remain in Contraosta County and within the Mount Diablo School District. The benefit is just amazing. All right, Dr. Clark. >> So I have a just a a brief update tonight. um not not too much, but um just want to talk about a couple things. First of all, um just want to give a shout out to Mount Diablo High School. You know, they um there was a a tragedy a couple weeks ago where one of, you know, they they

069lost one of their students and um and then just, you know, this week um their their brand new athletic field, which um you know, is was a real symbol of the community, something that the community could be proud of. with, you know, we we did a ribbon cutting with this board. A couple of the trustees here were there and and the um arch the contractors and architects folks were talking about that this field was you know state-of-the-art, the first one in the Bay Area and here it was at our own Mount Devil High School for our students to be able to enjoy and then to um you know to get the communication on Sunday that it had caught fire is um is a real is a real tragedy. But just there's just been an outpouring

070of support towards Mount Diablo from our communities and um and so we we appreciate our our communities for that and the um the Mount Diablo high school community is very resilient and I don't have a shadow of a doubt that they won't recover from this and still be able to find joy in attending school each and every day. So did want to point that out. Just a couple of of of district updates. Um we have three individuals on the board who one way or another are connected to the um new implementation of yonder bags at our at our high schools. Um, I had a I had a nice meeting with with Allan the other day and um and you know briefly brief briefly talked about that but I know as two concerned parents um have

071heard from you all but as this year um started off and you know we started yonder pouches two years ago. I'm just reading more and more on the national level about how yonder pouches are really sweeping the nation and again just thinking you know Mount Diablo is is on the cutting edge. So, um, we will have a formal report on on yonder pouches coming up, but just something that, you know, in in schools, um, you know, things come way up and and everyone gets a, you know, real excited about them, either negatively or positively, and then when they actually happen, it's, you know, there's it kind of just shakes itself out. So, um, I'll be interested to hear how our report is going. But so far, what the reports we're getting from our schools is

072that, you know, students are embracing it and are dealing with it. And um I know there's things like, you know, they can't listen to music and there's always a couple little things here and there. We may have had a magnet go missing at one of our schools to unlock the yonder pouches, but um but we're we're dealing with that. And so um wanted to give a shout out to the yonder pouches. Um, I again I'm just thrilled with the amount of press that um our TK expansion is getting. I want to give a big shout out to our um to our elementary director Aaron D. Martini. She was featured on on one of the um news shows and um and and did a story over at Fair Oaks and had a parent on there um

073talking about um TK. TK is actually saving that family $1,000 a month. They were paying $1,000 a month for preschool and now families are able to send their TK students to us for free. So that's a a service we want to provide to our communities. And also in that story they showed some of our larger counterparts um just opening up a handful of TK classes this year and just proud to say that again we sort of lead the way um opened up 23 um TK classes. So so very very excited about that. And as I'm as I go out and visit schools, I always take a a stop off to the to the TK classes and see those young learners. It's been been very exciting. Um, this is also a difficult time for some of

074our families. We have approximately 37 families that are are unable to attend the the school that is within their boundaries because of um because they're they're impacted. Um 23 of those families um were actually in class on the first day of school. And so we had to um we had to transfer them to other to other schools, but the others registered after um after school had started. Um I'm happy to say that we've already brought back a couple of those families as spots opened up and we will continue to um you know talk with families, work with them, do the best we can. I want to give a um shout out to Aurelia. I'm gonna jumble her last name, Bus Busamechi. Um but um Bushimi Bushimi thank you. Um but um you know she's she's

075really um she has really brought that um you know that that empathy that that caring um but also just that structure to the process and making sure that everyone has that voice. And we really are looking at each and every one of these cases individually. Um but we understand you know there's we have we have limits to what we to what we can do. But 30,000 with 37 students who, you know, who were who were sort of displaced, um, you know, those are numbers that we're still trying to get better, but they are a lot better than they were some time ago. And then I'll just respond to a um couple things. Um, you know, just some things that were said tonight and some things that have been been going on in the in the

076district. I'm going to continue to communicate and put facts out to our community. I made a commitment when I came to this district is to be transparent. And if you notice, everything we do is transparent. Whether it's our um our board notes or whether it's questions that the board has or whether it's data that's going on at our schools or whether it's when we have a um an unfortunate event that takes care of our uh happens within our schools. We're going to be transparent with that with our communities, with our staffs, and with our students. We're going to continue to to share our stories. Um public education is um you know is is is taking hits right now. And you know, if you read um just some of the some of the national literature, you

077know, they say there's an overall um you know, sort of negative um negative views on public education. But when folks are asked about their own district and their own schools, those views go so much higher. And so, one of the things that I'm extremely proud of is um is sharing our students stories, telling the stories of our students. And that's really what's in the that's in that's what's in the Friday letter. We also put um you know board information in there. Um there's all kinds of community information in there. So it really is a tool. So yeah, I'm going to spend some money on making sure that that's done correctly and that the person who's putting that together on their own um until late into the Friday nights every week that they have the support

078that they need to do that. I'm I'm going to continue to do that. And just as we talk about the district priorities, we have um right around a half a half a billion dollar budget, $500 million budget or so in this district, give or take. 90% of that roughly goes to salary and benefits. So I think um I think it's very clear where where our priorities are is it's our it's our employees who serve our serve our students and that's all of our employees. And so we're going to continue to we're going to continue to to to work hard and make sure that the district is fiscally solvent. Um we have always had an attorney at the bargaining table. We have always had that. um as we um have to bargain against um California Teachers

079Association um CTA um you know they have endless resources and so we're just a little district and um and so we have to make sure that we are being good stewards of the of the public's money and that um we are making sure that this district can continue to employ all of the employees that it's that they that we have. We have not done layoffs in the last few years. I've read articles about uh surrounding districts who are doing layoffs. There was just an article about Dublin in the paper this week and really talks about the impacts of having to lay off custodians or having to lay off teachers. We're not going to do that in this district. We're going to fight extremely hard not to do that. And so if that means we have

080to tighten our belt a little bit, we we will. And um so just um you know, wanted to wanted to touch on that. But we we will continue to bargain in good faith and hopefully we can come to an agreement with all of our units. We do have six different units who we work with and we'll continue to um put our students as the highest priority and make sure that they're getting everything that they need. So, just in in closing, um I want to welcome our our new folks who we appointed tonight. We got some exciting things happening over at Adult Ed. Victoria definitely has done um a a great job there and the services for our adults is um is amazing. As I got older in life, I found that um as I had

081something to really work towards then education became so much more of a um you know of of like I was so much more into it than when I was younger trying to find my way. So a lot of our adult learners who are coming back at this time, they have some sort of goal in mind and just knowing that we can help them get to that point is extremely special. So want to thank that board for the for those appointments and um and just looking forward, you know, we're three weeks in. Year is is going extremely smooth. Um of course 30,000 students, 55 schools, seven different communities. There's going to be some bumps in the road, but I don't think that there's nothing out there that um we can't solve as a team and continue

082to work together to um continue to serve our students. So, thank you. And that concludes my report. >> Hold on. There's congratulations in order here for Grandpa as a Yeah, this is Dr. Clark's first grandchild and I'm always excited about that. eight pounds. That baby was a big boy. >> So glad to hear that he's doing well and and the mother's doing well. >> And as a great grandparent of two kids, I welcome you to the club. >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for that board. M >> Madame President, may I ask a couple clarifying questions of the superintendent? >> Certainly. >> Thank you. Uh Dr. Clark, the 37 students who are um not attending their their geographic school, can you give just a point of comparison uh for like

083past years and and what that trend has been like? >> Yeah, I I noticed Miss Bameshi is not making eye contact with me right now. No, no, no. Um I I will say um sorry. No. Um earlier earlier in my tenure here, we were having to displace um in the hundreds uh well over a hundred students. And so we have done extremely well at bringing that number down and and um projecting where where students are going to go. And I also just want to say when when we when we load classes, we do not load them at the max. we load our classes um you know three or four students lower and then and then when we're impacted we have to go to the maximum but um but it's been it's been triple quadruple that

084number in in in past years >> and then uh you know I think all of us are are deeply disappointed in what happened at Mount Diablo High School especially extra especially uh as football fans but uh you know difficult to see but could you talk a little bit about one. I do believe that they have a game this Friday, but I think um we've found a new location for them. And then do we have any estimates on on the time or or the cost? And I know we're going through insurance, but is there any further detail you can give uh towards the situation at Mount Diablo High School? >> Yes. So, Mount Diablo Mount the again the the field is um is utilized by all of our students. They use it in PE. We use

085it um you know, different sports teams use it and things like that. But in terms of our um boys football and and girls and girls football um Friday night um Conquered High has been um you know we work with Conquered High and so the games will be taking place at at Conquered High. Now we're working with our league to to reschedule all games. So more than likely it'll be one of our high schools in conquered and then if not hopefully we can do a where it would have been a home game, it'll now be it'll now be an away game. Um, we have contractors coming out to the to the site tomorrow to look and to give us an an estimate of of timeline of of what it may what it may be. And um

086and the the damages is right around a million dollars. Um we have um turned this into our insurance. Uh we have insurance for everything in this district. And um and um thank you to uh thank you to our our general counsel who ensures that like every contract is signed and and insurance is always included. Um but but we don't know hopefully hopefully it can be it can be done before the uh before the fall is is done so that those teams that do um utilize it during fall sports can. And um that's that's really what we're what we're hoping for, but we'll have more information tomorrow. and there's still an active police and fire investigation and whether it was fireworks and whether it was arson or or or what it was um we won't know

087exactly until the investigators um conclude their investigation. >> I I would just say if it is what it appears to be of some type of arson that I hope that um the maximum, you know, the the district attorney prosecutes to the fullest extent possible because I I think this is just such a a terrible uh thing to have happened. So thank you for all your efforts. >> Absolutely. Thank you. >> We are ready to move on to the consent agenda. Um the consent agenda uh items are considered routine and will be approved or adopted by a single motion. Uh there will be no separate discussion of these items, but any item may be pulled. So is there a separate consideration for any item? >> Yes, madam president. I'd like to pull item 14.6. 16. >>

088Thank you. Any other items to be pulled? >> Uh, Madame President, I'd like to pull item 14.5. I'm not going to ask another time because there might be a third one. No, just teasing. Okay, we ready for a motion? Madam President, I move the approval of the consent agenda with the exclusion of uh items 14.5 and 146 uh which will be uh separately considered. >> I'll second that. So we have a motion by trustee Lawrence with a second by trustee Mason on the adoption of the consent agenda with the exception of 145 and 1416 which will be considered separately. Uh Trusty Ber or Ryana, how do you vote? >> Yes. >> Thank you. It takes a moment to pull the two items for separate consideration. >> Shimmy, is that right? >> Got a bad time

089of practicing over here. I'm sorry. >> Between the two of us, we need to be in the practice corner. So the motion on the consent agenda is adopt with adopted with a 5000000 vote and support from our student trustee. Um 15.1 will be uh is 14.5 uh Dr. um Mr. Lawrence. >> Yes. I was hoping we um you know when when we talk about some of the the software upgrades and uh some of the systems that that I think um have been very far behind and and so this is something I was hoping uh the superintendent and staff could just give a little insight into kind of the the legacy system we've been moving away from and and what we're moving towards here uh with this new system. >> Sure. You and Mr. Bar. Either

090one. power. >> This item is the HR the HR power school system and so previously we had used ed join as every all education uh institutions in the state of California uses uh it is an older system doesn't allow a lot of functionality tools and one of the things that we've been hearing um from our hiring managers is the hiring process is not as transparent as they would like it to be. So, we went out uh about four years ago to search what was out there and how can we um take the hiring process, make it more transparent for our hiring managers and also building build in an onboarding process within that. And so now we can hire and then send out the onboarding documents immediately, bring in and then bring in individuals for the

091in-person onboarding as well. just really trying to streamline uh the process, track, be able to look at um tracking everything that happens in our department and making sure that we do have that return on investment. And one of the things we are able to do really easily you can't do in edjoin is running the demographics of our applicants. seeing how many applications that are coming down in on in on a daily basis and looking at all those v variet those factors so we can really evaluate our hiring process, our recruitment and making sure that we fill as many positions as possible. And so this program this proc this software allows us to do that. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, we're ready for a motion. Uh, Madame President, I move that the board approve item 15.1,

092approval of renewal with HR powers school software modules for the 2526 school year. >> I'll second. >> So, we have a motion by trustee Lawrence with a second by our student trustee Barrera Orana. Um, is there further discussion on Power School? How do you vote? Student trustee. >> Yes. >> Thank you. And the motion is adopted on a 5000000 [Music] vote with support from our student trustee um trustee McDougall 15.2. too. >> Madame President, um pleased to see that we've got a new member of the Measure J Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, Mark Joffy. Uh we're talking about a really qualified person here. He's a local college financial committee member. I'm not sure which college it is. He's president of the Contracasta Taxpayers Association. and he will also be on our budget advisory committee. And so

093I'm glad to see somebody of this qualification uh joining forces on those two committees. >> Thank you. >> Shall I move? >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'd like to move that we approve the appointment of one new member to serve on the 2018 Measure J Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, Mark Joffy. >> Second. is our uh candidate here today. Okay. So, uh Trustee McDougall has made the motion with trustee Lawrence making the second regarding the appointment of Mark Joffy uh to serve on the measure J committee. Uh is there further discussion? Trusty Barrera or Ray Orana, how do you vote? >> Yes. So, the motion is adopted on a 4 010 vote with support from our student trustee. Thank you. We're ready to move on to uh the business items. Uh Dr. Clark, um item 171 is

094our LCAP. Yes, we have uh our Samantha Allen. And do I see uh Miss Filios out here? There she is. And we have uh Miss Thomas, our um our new data guru. >> This one. >> Oh, and we have Gustavo also from >> the whole team's here. >> Look at this. We have edge services, we have special projects, we have data, we have finance. Wonderful, >> wonderful team. Madame President, board of trustees, and Dr. Clark. Um, I wonder I'm I'm thinking you're wondering why are we here? We already approved this plan. Yes, we're back. Um, but this is going to be a very short presentation. Um, this is just a um final final approval uh of our LCAP based on county revisions. So, as you all know, our LCAP is a three-year plan. Uh this

095page is just a reminder of the things that we are required uh to have within this plan. Um most importantly um is our um LCAP must address the eight state priorities. So if you go on the CDE website, they'll have all those listed out for you and define all the different things that we need to address in our plan. So, um, as you know, I think it was our June meeting, um, you all approved our plan in its finality, but that's not the final check and balance. The plan then goes to the county where they take a quick look at it and give us some final revisions. And I just want to say that um our county office was very impressed with our plan and uh that's thanks to our very own fiscal department and

096uh Miss Christina Felios who is a wordssmith and is just really great at putting helping us put this together. Um and so we're back here for a final final approval of those county revisions that we made. Um and then we will be back again in February to go through our midyear report. So I'm going to turn this over to Christina. Good evening board. Uh just as a reminder, our LCAP, our three-year LCAP contains um or has four broad LCAP goals in the areas that Dr. Clark often reminds us of, but college and career readiness, um our training for our staff and having high highly qualified staff, our parent and family engagement, our focal scholar uh achievement, and then our fifth goal is our equity multiplier goal, which this year includes Olympic High School, Crossroads High

097School, and Glenbrook Academy. So, um, as part of the attachments for this item, you'll notice that there are two documents, one in English, one in Spanish, that still contain our strikethroughs and yellow revisions. That's for transparency. So, you can see that was the part of the plan that was approved June 25th. And then anything that has been changed since with the feedback from the county is now in a blue highlighted color. That's just to help you see what's new and improved. Um, and then as a summary of the kinds of changes that were made, um, we had a few typographical errors in our metrics measurements. So, we clean those up. Um, we did provide additional narrative and additional metrics around duplicated students within the evaluation of action effectiveness. And then, um, there were a couple

098of places where the county provided some updated fiscal, uh, numbers for us. and um one was in our carryover amount from 2324. So you'll see that that was adjusted and then also in the amount of learning recovery emergency block grant educational block grant funds um that num that amount um the the county gave us a different amount and we had to ensure that that was accounted for in the plan in its totality. So that's the summary of the changes that you'll see um presented. So, we would like to ask for your approval this evening. Thank you. >> Board members, do you have questions? >> Can we make comments? >> Certainly. >> I appreciate the additional time we've had to look at this since June. Um, it's uh was relatively new to me then, so I'm

099becoming more familiar with it now, thank goodness. Um, I want to highlight some of the county uh board of education's comments from this report, particularly on goal one. I'm not going to go through all of them. I just want to highlight some of these comments that come from goal one. Uh, goal one actions for the 2024 25 produced mixed results with improvements in several areas for lowincome students and modest overall district gains. but persistent and in some areas widening gaps for English learners and foster youth. for low-income students, CASP, I know there's a better acronym name than that. Results showed only 27% meeting or exceeding standards in the ELA category and only 20% meeting or exceeding standards for math uh for grades 3 to eight with grade 11 results at 45% in the ELA category

100and n 19% in math. These are upward trends they noted. Uh but this is a stark and and more than disappointing. There are other comments in the absenteeism suspensions and seal data but I want to highlight one the CTE pathway completion at 14.8%. uh we really need to improve our uh uh our performance on this statistic because this is the pathway for most kids who won't go to college. Uh we need to educate our kids to be productive citizens. So the CTE pathways need to succeed here. The last comment on this section that I want to highlight is the on foster youth. Grades three to eight show ELA at 15% that's the English language at 15% and 4% in math and grade 11 shows 11% on the English language uh element and 11% in math.

101All of them showing sharp declines. We cannot continue to fail our kids like this. We have a lot of work ahead of us. Thank you. >> Further comments. >> I would move to approve the revised 2025 2026 local control and accountability plan and add the comment that I don't worry so much about numbers and statistics on a chart. I worry about the results I see and I see the kids in my community and across the district graduating and coming back and working for us and being very successful. And a percentage and a number on the paper does really not amount to anything as far as I'm concerned. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> And madam, may may we have further discussion before the >> Certainly. Uh the maker of the motion has the

102first opportunity. >> Thank you. >> Uh Trusty Enzwi, would you like to make any comments? Okay. Now, Trusty Lawrence, >> thank you. Um and I think to follow up on the points of of both my my fellow board members, I think the question is not just are are there numbers that are concerning, but rather how do we solve them? What what are the the methods? Because I think if merely highlighting that um you know foster youth have a a much more difficult path um we know that I think we see that throughout the nation. I think the the conversation is what else can we be doing? What else um is available for us to to address these things? And that's where the hard work is. Um, and so I look forward to us having those

103conversations and continuing to support the work of the superintendent and the staff as we address those things. Thank you. Yes. >> And it's also why we've prioritized those groups of since 20 for and like hardcore focused um on students who are homeless, students who are in foster um care and African-American students. And it's been unwavering even though we've worked our way, I believe, out of the safe plan and out of the oversight. So, we've done something right and I feel like as a board and Dr. Clark continuously says we haven't done enough. So, there's the acknowledgement um especially that these small incremental increases aren't enough but at least coming through surviving and coming through a pandemic and coming out on the other side as as we are um we haven't gone backwards which is kind

104of a good thing. The one comment I will make which uh may be erroneous but for some of our student populations we do not know or we do know they haven't been with us for a long a lengthy period of time. A foster youth student might move in take the test and then might move out. And so there are many factors that contribute to the results in a particular year. And this the LCAP doesn't tease all of that information out which does um provide further information. Do we wish to be more success that each of these students could be more successful? Yes, we do because we want a pat on the back but we know that everyone is working hard to support our students. So we have a motion by uh trustee Mason with a

105second by trustee and Zeri. Uh trustee Barrera or Rihanna, how do you vote? Yes, >> thank you. And the motion is adopted to approve the revisions to the LCAP on a 5000 vote with the support of our student trustee. Uh item 17.2, Dr. Clark, the grand jury report. >> Yes. So, um so it's it's no it's no secret that there was a um that there was a grand jury report um um that our our SEO group went to the grand jury um to ask for this. And it's no secret because again I shared it with our community and and um and sent that out to everybody. But what we have tonight is we have our response to the findings and we have a a timeline that um that we would like to that we need

106to adhere by to make sure that um to make sure that we are again following what we're required to do and and just you know I'm going to read our response to the findings just a couple bullet points but before I do I think I kind of have to just address this thing as a as a whole. We went out for a bond and part of the part of the language of the bond that you will have a citizens oversight committee to ensure that the language in the bond um that when we complete projects that we have fulfilled the language within the bond. Um we you know we are thankful for the citizens who came forward to serve on this committee. Um but unfortunately um we have this committee and led by a just by

107a few has really worked outside of the um of their own bylaws and um so we've been accused of not taking um a major contract out to bid. Um we were accused that the contract that we had was illegal. um they wanted to bring in um their own attorney to look at it. Um however, in the bylaws, it does not um the SE box do not um have access to attorneys. And although I um I had agreed to give them a x amount of hours of attorney on the district's dime, they then wanted to double that number um without, you know, w without um you know, any any reasoning. So, I refused and pulled back the the um the the offer. Um we have had meetings that have been uh livereamed just for transparency where

108we've brought out um Schneider Electric to answer questions of the of the Seabach and of this board. We've brought them out to the board several times. And so unfortunately these members from the seabach continue to um bring up different issues around this around this situation. So then it lands in the grand jury and then the grand jury comes back with findings not about our contract, not about the contractor, not about um how much it's costing, but about the makeup and power of of our citizens bond oversight committee. So So that's just the reader digest version. You can obviously um you can obviously go back and look at all of our records because we've been completely transparent throughout this throughout this time. So um so again we um these are response to the findings of the

109of the grand jury report which we again we posted online, we shared out and and is available for all to see. But these are our these are our response to the findings for finding for finding one um by the California Education Code. The measure G Seabbach is to be independent of Mount Diablo Unified School District and represents and informs taxpayers. Uh response, we agree with that. Um the governing board of the school district shall establish and appoint members, that's language directly from our bylaws, and appoint members to the independent citizen oversight committee. So we agree with finding number one. Finding number two, the SEAB does not prepare its own bylaws which detail how the committee operates. Our our response is we agree. Um pursuant to ED code uh 155278, the board passed res a resolution

110um establishing the measure J oversight committee and approving the bylaws for the committee. The bylaws provide that any amendments to the bylaws must be approved by the majority of the board. To date, the measure G the measure J Seabach has never presented any proposed amendments to the bylaws um for the board to consider. Um for finding number three, the Mount Dava Unified School District provides the Seabach bylaws. Yes, we do. We agree with that. Oh, I'm sorry. I'm reading the wrong ones. Right. Yes. All right. Thank you. You can scoop up. I was I was on a roll. I was wondering. We agreed so much. So, and it sounded good, didn't it? >> You're doing great. I thought maybe you just wanted to read the findings. >> No, I don't want to read all the

111findings. All right. So, >> you said you did. >> Response to the recommendations. Recommendation number one. By December 31st, 2025, the Mount Diablo Unified School District shall recognize the California Ed Code requires that Measure J. See is an independent oversight committee reporting to the taxpayers. Our response, this recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Specifically, the establish of the oversight committee pursuant to Prop 39 um states the oversight committee shall perform all duties imposed on it under section 15278 of the ED code and with respect to Measure J bonds, the thus the board of education imparted to Measure J. seabbach all the duties that the educ that the education code um delineated. So for for number one, our response is um that it will not be implemented. Recommendation number two, but and

112this is this is recommendations by the civil grand jury by December 31st, 2025. Mount Diablo Unified School District should permit Measure J. Seabbach to independently prepare, modify, and approve the committee bylaws. Response: This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted and as outlined in ED code. Number three, recommendation. By December 31st, 2025, Mount Diablo Unified School District should provide assistance. the should provide assistance the seabach has requested. Um response this recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted as outlined above. The district has provided the seabach with all technical and administrative assistance as required by the education code. Recommendation number four, by December 31st, 2025, Mount Diablo should include the SEAB in activities associated with screening, selection, and approval of SEABOK candidates for continuing and new members positions. Response: This

113recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. As outlined above, the education code requires the board of education to appoint members to the oversight committee and the board will continue to to discharge this duty. And the last recommendation, by December 31st, 2025, the Mount Elbo Unified School District should distribute SEBA annual reports electronically to taxpayers within the district via local government, parent groups, and civ and civic organizations. Response: This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. As outlined above, the district distributes the SEAB annual reports by posting them on its website and by publication on the board agenda and in doing so is in full compliance with the ED code. So, um, out of the five recommendations that the civil grand jury gave to us, um, and it's detailed in

114our report, we will not be implementing any of them because they are not warranted. Further discussion. >> Yeah, I'd like >> Let's have a motion first and then we'll move. >> I will make a motion that we approve the response to the 2024 2025 civil grand jury report number 25507 and send the approved response to the presiding judge of the Kikasa County Superior Court on before September 2nd, 2004 and with a copy to the grand jury honor before September 5th, 2025. Second. >> So we have a motion by trustee Mason with a second by trustee in Zeri. The maker of the motion has the uh opportunity to speak first. Miss Mason, >> I just want to >> beautifully written report. >> That's what I was going to say is Mr. Ricky Kim, thank you so

115much for um such clear, easy layout of the findings like um interpreting the findings for the lay person um and making the direct connection to why we would not um implement the recommendations to the law um that we all must follow. Thank you, >> Mr. McDougall. I believe you're ready to make some comments. Yes, thank you m Madame President. Uh we have five recommendations here and u basically all of them say will not be implemented because it's not warranted. Uh these are common sense ideas that came up from the board and so I'm sorry to see these uh recommendations being made uh and shutting it down. Uh I for one want a vigorous community oversight on how we spend taxpayers monies not only on this uh CBOC but also for committees like the budget advisory

116committee and similar uh I believe that um yes we're following the letter of the law here but I don't think we're following the spirit of the law and that is that we watch over vigorously how the money is being spent. And these objections that came to the grand jury point that out and I feel that unfortunately we are obeying the law here, but I think we're not obeying the spirit of the law, and that is to have vigorous oversight of how the money is spent. Um, this is my tax money. This is all of our tax money. I think it ought to be watched very closely. Thank you. >> So, go ahead, Trusty Lewis. Book President speaks last. >> Um, you know, I I agree with um several of the things that Trustee McDougall said.

117I do believe we are on sound legal ground uh with our response and and I am supportive of that. I think all board members believe that we should look closely at the expenditure of of public funds. Um you know I proudly uh appointed and and voted to confirm uh many of of the members of of these committees. I I believe they are very dedicated citizens who have many of them have shown decades of commitment to uh helping support this district. And so I balance the I I don't know how that the recommendations from the grand jury I don't see that they would materially improve the oversight. Um, and in some ways I think they're problematic and I don't think that they have a correct legal standing based on on my reading of it. But I

118don't want to ignore the fact that I I think it is just obvious that um we we've gone a skew with these committees and I think that um you know I I was not here during you know the majority of this and so I'm I'm less interested in in uh relitigating the past but rather the path forward. But I do think that we need to find a way to reinvigorate these committees and restore trust and have them be in their their role of watchd dogs but in partnership with the district and with this board. Um because right now it it ended up in a dysfunctional relationship and I don't think that benefits our district and I don't think that benefits our our taxpayers. Thank you. >> Okay. I want to thank everybody for their comments.

119Um I have attended many of the major J oversight committee meetings and um I have my observation is that as was stated this isn't about the um findings and the presentation from the grand jury isn't about how the money has been spent. it's on the authority uh or advancing the authority of the seabach committee and in my role as a trustee I'm not ready to abdicate my duty and responsibility as assigned by the um ed code and I I feel that's important one of the reasons that came to my mind because of you know the the issue about the bylaws that came came up is it seemed as though the committee members were unaware of the bylaws when they we appointed them to the um committee and I'm wondering if henceforth we need to have

120the committee members of the seabach come to the meeting and receive the oath of office just like board members do so that they are aware it's not an oath of office I understand that but there are details in the bylaws um that are important whether the bylaws stand or are changed in the future. We have not um the this board of education has not indicated to the uh seabach committee that we would not consider changing the bylaws. Um so but they're still working on bylaw revisions and that's you know they may come forward. So the uh and the report appointment of committee members to my knowledge the district has never denied anyone an opportunity to serve on the seabach committee because there are so few applicants. So um you know I think we're you know

121are in um good standing in um adopting the resolution as it's presented. So, um, Trusty Bera Orana, how do you vote? >> Yes. >> There was a typo in the recommendation. Obviously, it should be 2020. >> 24, not 20 25, not 24. >> So, yes. >> Can she amend it now or do I need to do it? >> You could just move that we send it before September 2nd, 2025. So I move to amend the date that it goes to the superior court which would be September 2nd 2025 and then on to the grand jury September 5th 2025. >> So trustee in Zway do you accept the new motion as presented? >> Okay. Does everybody understand what the new motion is? It's a correction of the date. >> All right. >> Yes. >> All right.

122Um, how do you vote? >> Yes. >> Thank you. So the motion is adopted on a 41 0 vote with the support of our student trustees and thank you everyone for the dialogue. We're ready to move on to the next agenda item uh 17.3 adoption of some uh school board policies. Is this just information tonight? >> Yes, it is. >> Well, for Mr. Lawrence's information, you should get all the brand new books that we got last year. So, you can look up >> as long as they're online. >> Are there any discussion on the policies as they were presented? you have the opportunity to u meet with staff on the ones. They're the ones at the bottom regarding them. All right. Uh we don't need a meeting extension at this point in time. Um and

123um future agenda items. I see you're ready to respond to that one. >> I am. >> Trustee Lawrence. >> Yes. So, uh, in light of our employee negotiations, one thing that I know historically was very helpful was when we did, uh, budget study sessions for the public and went through our budget and and had workshops around that. So, that was one that I was requesting. I know the board has done them since I've been gone, but upon my return, I was hoping that we could have in the near future a a board uh, study session. As the superintendent noted, you know, approximately um 90% of our budget is devoted towards uh salaries and benefits. And you know, I am a belief that um the majority of that, as much of that as possible should be

124directed towards those who are closest to the classroom. Um but I think we have to balance that with our our financial constraints. And so, um, you know, I think when people hear things around that we have a $200 million surplus and they want to understand what what that or need to be educated as to what that can be spent on, what those restrictions are, what the future um entitlements look like. And so that would be my request is is one. And then second, uh, I wanted to just What's that? Thank you. And then our second was um I was hoping that perhaps the superintendent could help our student board members. he's trying to resurrect the student council and that if there are principles who have not responded, perhaps they could have a nudge from the

125superintendent because I I do think one of the highlights was when we had our student reps come and present to us as as a board and so the with the thought towards uh I think you had mentioned resurrecting the council and then having them come and and uh report to the board on what's happening at their schools. That would be something I'd be very supportive of. And so I was hoping that perhaps the superintendent could assist our student board member uh in facilitating that. >> Thank you. Any further items? >> Yes. >> Just a question. Um, I've seen some information coming out from CDE on this opt out provision for the MAMAMU decision from Scotas and I'm just wondering when we might be able to see some u direction from the district on this for

126how parents can opt out on these >> we will get that information. Yeah. So, we already have, as I explained before, we already have an opt out process for um again for um social living, sexed, things to that nature. And so, if a parent has concerns, they can always come and speak with their principal. But in in light of in light of solid guidance, we are still working on those documents and we actually um will be bringing some very soon um and put them in place. So, we've been working on it. >> Thank you. >> With that, the meeting is adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Thank you very much.