001I would like to call to order the regularly scheduled meeting of the Rodona Beach Unified School District Board of Education for November 18th, 2025. Is there a motion and a second to approve the order of the agenda? >> So move. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I. >> Sorry. Student advisory vote. >> I. >> Excellent. We have no close session items today, so there is no need to declare a need for close session. We will move on to the pledge of allegiance by Chief Joe Hoffman, Rodono Beach Police Department. Thank you very much for having me. It's an honor to be here and to lead everybody in the pledge. Everybody can please rise, place your right hand over your heart, and repeat after me. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States
002of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you, Chief. Uh there is nothing to report from close session. Do we have a motion and a second to approve the minutes of the October 28th, 2025 regular board of education meeting? >> Second. >> Student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? I. Any nos or abstensions? >> I abstain. I wasn't here. >> Excellent. Motion passes. This brings us to reports of the board. Item 7.1, recognition of Chief Joe Hoffman, Rondono Beach Police Department. So this [applause] should go. >> So we'll go to the podium for you. >> I don't need Rachel's stool. Um, >> yeah, be nice to >> So, this is just an incredible honor because I think one of
003the things that has been most amazing for me is how you embody the partnership with the entire community. What you and all of RPD have done to support not just our community, but specifically our students and our schools is incredible. Um, I think back to what happened not so many years ago on that fateful December day and that call for help went out and you and everyone in uniform answered without hesitation. You were there for our students. You were there for our staff. Everyone worked together as a team to keep our students safe. And that's something that's rare. It's incredible to see just that partnership in action because it's something we rehearse for. It's something we talk through. You've spent a lot of time working with us to understand the school safety needs and things
004like that. Um, but to see it all come together and happen was just incredible. Uh, and as a parent of a student who was there that day, thank you obviously, but as uh the president of the board of education, thank you for all of our students. >> So, I thank you all the fellow officers, um, all of our first responders who came there, but you've really embodied that that spirit of cooperation and that care for our students and our community. And so, I can't thank you enough for all your years of service. Um, but your leadership really means the world. And so on behalf of the board of education, we do have this to present to you. But uh I al [applause] thank you. I'm I also wanted to give the rest of the board
005a chance to uh to to pass on any thoughts they have as well. And you of course have a moment to speak. >> Well, thank you very much. It's I'm I'm honored to be here. Um, being able to serve for the Redona Beach Police Department and be the chief has clearly been the honor of my professional life. And I was thinking, I know I was going to have a short amount of time to speak and I was thinking about how I wanted to address this. So, what I was thinking is what are the actual most critical roles where the school district and the police department cross and we have different goals, but we really have the same mission. And I use this term a lot uh about how we measure our success in the police
006department. And it comes down to two metrics and it's trust and safety. And I think that we both have th those same characteristics when we're trying to achieve our goals. We're working to build trust in the community. You're working to build trust with the community and all the parents and all the students. And we both need to do it in a safe manner. We're constantly striving to increase the level of safety in the community. And the school district is constantly driving striving to achieve a learning environment that is safe for everybody. So those two components of trust and safety are absolutely critical in both law enforcement and the field of education. But the key to remember is is that it's not just one entity that's able to do that. This is absolutely a team sport
007and we could not do it just as a police department. And conversely, I think that the school district also needs the police department in order to achieve success. And we've been able to do that with a strong bond mostly with our school resource officers. And that's why it was so important for me to have our school resource officers and that team here tonight. Because although I've been fortunate to be with this police department for now 31 and a2 years and be the chief for about the last four, the bond that has been built by the regular day-to-day interaction with our school resource officers is really what has created that teamwork and allow us to achieve our mutual goals of achieving the highest levels of trust and the highest levels of safety. So the department is
008in good hands, the school district is in good hands, and I've been honored to be able to be a part of it for so long. So thank you very much. [applause] any other board members to say to you? >> I would. Can I? Ladies first. Chief, I can't believe you're it's time for you to retire because I feel like we just appointed you, Chief. Um, when I first got very involved with the school district, it was the first time Chief Kaufman had arrived in Roondo Beach and we were implementing Dr. Wesley will remember run, hide, fight. And Dr. Keller at the time, I was the brand new council PTA president, told me he couldn't wait to introduce me to the police chief and there was going to be this amazing new program that I was
009going to go out with Dr. Wesley and convince all of our parents that we needed to have this training. And I couldn't be more proud of the fact that that is I'm sad but also proud that it is standard protocol and the partnership that we've developed with our school resource officers and our community policing project. Our kids from a very young age learn to respect um our police officers and understand that they're a vital part of our community. And I can't thank you and all of the officers who constantly show up for everybody in this community, but especially for our school district enough. It is an honor to have worked with you and I wish you the best of retirement and I thank all of our officers who are here and those who are not
010here for being such an integral part of our community. >> Thank you, >> Chief. I see you and I see the embodiment of what you had expressed which is all of us coming together for the benefit of the community and particularly our students and I thought about how to thank you tonight and a thought come came to my mind um what happened in my own life while you were serving this this beautiful city. I moved here uh from Chicago, met my wife, got married, bought a home, had one, two, three kids. Um had successful business going, got elected into serve in this beautiful capacity. Got to work with you and all these fine officers and everyone here and in this room. Just want to say thank you. My children always look to man uniform and
011they thank them and they also wish them please go home safely to your loved ones each and every shift. That's something that we do as a family because we mean that. We want you to have it and you make that possible in this community. Just want to say thank you for making it just more beautiful and I I know you're not going to be I know you're going to be busy after in retirement and I I can't wait to see what you're going to end up doing and we'll love to see you around. Thank you, Chief. >> Thank you. It's been a pleasure. I um I'm going to try to be quick, but I want to thank you for your unwavering support. Um because as a board, I know we feel it um every day
012and our school resource officers um you guys are our team and our lifeline and we could not be more thankful and more appreciative. So, thank you for supporting the program and for literally standing next to us. >> Thank you. Hi. Um, I've only been serving in my capacity on the board for a short while, but I've been a resident of Roondo Beach for decades and decades now. And one of the things that um, we're so blessed in this community is this relationship we do have with the police officers and our police department. Our students really do look at um, our uh, officers with a lot of respect. I see you guys doing uh walking school bus with us, coming out to our school events. That relationship that you talk about that's been built on years
013of trust is something that is so unique to um Roondo Beach. And so I want to thank every single one of your officers, our RSOs, you leadership um for making that possible for our community and for our students. And I know you've got some great things ahead, but thank you for your service to us. I think we've built a model that school districts are envious of across the nation. And I have done the walking school bus and I think I'm still recovering from a pulled hamstring from the basketball game at Red Union High, but I'll have plenty of time to ice it in retirement. >> You want to take a photo together? >> Wait a minute. >> Oh, wait. And I just wanted to say like on behalf of the students, it really doesn't go
014unnoticed. Like I know just looking out at the ones that are here like I've noticed you guys on campus before and it just like we do appreciate it and I know just as one student I've noticed so I'm sure so many others have and it really doesn't go unnoticed and we do appreciate your support. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, I'd love to. I need my stool. One, two, three. [applause] Good to see you. >> [laughter] >> All All right, thank you. Up next, we have a Madison Elementary School presentation by Denine Hollow, principal. >> You can use my sword. >> I I thought about it. I'm I'm moving it over here just in case. [laughter] Good evening, Roondo Beach Unified School District, Board President, Elder, um board, Dr. Wesley, executive cabinet. Thank you for allowing
015Madison to be here tonight to present to you guys. My name is Denine Hollow. Like they said, um we take uh the Roondo Beach strategic plan very seriously at Madison Elementary. Even at the elementary level, we understand that preparing students for future college career pathways begins with building curiosity, purpose, passion, and exposure to realworld STEM experiences. That's why we intentionally created opportunities for our STEM for our students with STEM assemblies, STEM night. And it allows us to immerse the students in this culture. We know that it is not only at the elementary level, middle school, and high school. and allowing these kids to have these hands-on experiences at STEM night has been a foundational skill that we know will help lead these students to future in STEM. Um, I have with us some students today
016that I'm not going to talk very much. I'm going to let them talk, but I'm going to say my my part and then go through. But at Madison, we believe that early exposure leads to future opportunities by making STEM engaging, accessible, and connected to the world, planting the seeds of post-secary success, success, and helping our comets see themselves as tomorrow's innovators. One of the things we started out with was our STEM assembly, which really got the students excited. They were able to see real hands-on experiments which made them so excited that it made them want to come to STEM night. So with passion and purpose they were marshmallow architects. They were given a task and they took that postsecondary preparedness of increasing their knowledge and opportunities related to students in post-secondary goals and future workforce
017needs and they were architects. So they were given tools to create a tower which they had to then um take a pingpong ball and um balance it at the top of the tower. In the next slide, they were jewelry makers, if you will. They were given bracelets and a battery and a magnetic strip. And they had to connect the battery to the magnetic strip and attach it to an LED light, which then lit up. And they all connected it together. And if it was successful, they had a little bracelet to wear around. their minds in motion, gravity, balance, and hand eye coordination. So, in this first one, we have they had to get 10 little nuts and they had a skewer and they had to stack these little nuts up in a tower and then
018it tested their ability to stack. In another activity, they had hand eye coordination. They had a series of five pencils. they had to balance on the top of their hand and then flip their hand over and catch those um pencils. So that definitely um tested their hand eye coordination. We [snorts] also had balance in physics. So dice is not just for rolling, but what they did was you can see them working together with parents or just working by themselves, but the goal was to stack as many dice on that um tongue depressor. So um that was very exciting. Some of them even decided to color code what what uh colors they were using. And another activity now this was the exciting part is we invited our UHS students. They had the um science olympiad students
019um and they brought an activity to them which was similar to one of the ones they did earlier. They had straws and tape and they had to build a tower with that and then they had to balance a um a ball at the top of that tower. This was great because not only were they working together as teams, they could do it individually or as a whole group. It really helped them build that um teamwork. And uh another activity is RUHS is um PLTW and they we invited the biomedical science students and what the students were doing were measuring their muscle strength. So they had computers around the room where students got to grip this um mechanism that they had and it tested their strength. So this really excited them about um medical field and
020things about the how the body works and it shows their excitement. It it also shows how the students were able to showcase what they're learning at the high school and get kids excited about science. And then last but not least is what what other things are we doing at Madison? So not only are we doing um project lead the way also in fifth grade, we're starting that this year. We also have Lego robotics in fifth grade. Um we're hosting a demo day in January. We'd love to have you guys come by where all eight elementary schools come and showcase what they have learned so far in Lego robotics. Uh we are doing our STEM assembly and our STEM night. And then also career day helps us showcase more um STEM activities. But the real stars
021of the show are the students. So, we have four kiddos here that I'd like to invite up. Um, so let's have the Mitsman girls come on up, ladies. >> We are going to use your stool. >> Hello, my name is Karly Mitzman and I'm here with my mom, my dad, and my twin sister [snorts] and I'm in third grade at Madison. STEM night is one of the most fun events of the whole school year. It's not just learning. It's learning while getting to build, experiment, and get messy. The best way in the best way. There are stations all around the school for families to explore together. We get we get to choose the activities we want to try so everyone can find something that interests them. My name is Liv Mittzman and I'm also in
022third grade. The best part of STEM night for me is the feeling it gives us like we're real scientists or engineers. We learn by doing and we get to ask questions, test ideas, and see what works just like in real life. And we love our that our parents get to do activities with us. It makes school feel even more exciting. >> Thank you. And then we have Zane Kapon up. Hello, my name is Zay Kazzy and I'm here with my dad, my mom, and my brother Keon. Um uh at STEM night last year, I had so much fun. I love being able to learn and innovate and with hands-on activities with friends and family. I always learn something new every year. Like when I make a tower, you have to have a sturdy base or
023your whole tower will collapse. I cannot wait for STEM night this year. Thank you. >> And then last is Adele. Hi, my name is Adele Fangold. I'm a fourth grader at Madison Elementary School. Um, my mom, my dad, and my sister are here with me. One of my favorite events of the year, STEM night. Last year, students from the high school u ran booths and helped out. I thought it was so cool that older students got to teach younger students like me about engineering and science. One of my favorite booths was where you made towers using toothpicks and marshmallows. That was really fun. Uh, another one of my favorite booths was where you tested your grip strength. Turns out I'm actually pretty strong. Thank you to the Madison PTA and Miss Hollow for organizing such
024an amazing event. [applause] >> She stole my closing remarks. Thank you PTA. Thank you board. Thank you um everybody for allowing us to to host this event at our school. It really does enrich the students and they take away so much knowledge with them that we hope that it it sparks that fire inside of them to know that there is a future in science for them. So at Madison, we're not just teaching STEM, but we're building the innovators who will shape tomorrow fueled by passion, purpose, and the belief that every comet can change the world. So, thank you very much. [applause] >> Thank you. No, it's so wonderful to see science brought to life like that. It's meant to be hands-on. It's so much more engaging and fun when you get to participate in that.
025Uh, and I love that you brought the stars from the slideshow, too. So, fantastic. I'm so glad that these students have those opportunities. Thank you for that. >> Thank you. Thank you, everybody. Have a wonderful evening. >> Thank you, students. You're amazing. you. Up next, we have our student board member report by Key Gold. >> Thank you. Congratulations to our three competition cheer teams last Saturday at the USA Regionals. All three teams won first place and a bid to nationals in Florida. The school to career is hosting an upcoming workshop on November 19th in the school to career office during lunchtime. Students will have the opportunity to practice interviews, get resume help, and fill out job applications. The RUHS PTSA Seahawk Marketplace Holiday Edition will take place on Friday, December 12th in the RUHS quad.
026This event offers RHS student creators and entrepreneurs the chance to showcase and sell their creations to the community. After a huge win last night at last Friday against St. Paul, our football team will take on Lyola High School this Friday in the CIF semifinals. Girls tennis also made it to the CIF quarterfinals in division 2. Last Saturday was college signing day. Roondo had 13 seniors signed to their future colleges during lunch. Also, tickets for the winter play women of lockerbe go on sale today. So, we hope to see you there. And field day at RHS was a success for all the fifth and eighth graders. They had the opportunity to try three different sports with mentorship from the high schoolers. Adam's middle school will hold their winter spirit rally on December 12th, including a spirit
027week and a school dance. Paris will have their movie night in December along with a kindness week popup. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. >> Up next. >> Oh, go ahead. Sorry. >> Up next, Superintendent Report by Dr. Nicole Wesley. I was just gonna suggest that maybe we do a quick picture with if the Madison team wanted to do a quick picture with the board um before they take off. >> You don't have to stay the entire time. >> We promise. >> [laughter] [applause] [laughter] >> You aren't. Bro, you are not already knows which by the way. >> Okay. So, um my board report is actually um related to our presentation to our um Chief Hoffman, our our police our police chief. And I'm going to just hit a little bit on student safety.
028But first, I want to thank everybody um for all of the support and the commitment they have for our RBUSD community. Um next week we're off for Thanksgiving, but just don't want us to forget that it's a great time to reflect about what we are all thankful for. Um especially uh when we know that those are suffering from health etc. So um it's just always good to remember uh all of the little things that we seem to forget easily. But um we want to also be thankful for the people the people who come to school to our schools every single day. And their sole purpose is to keep a watchful and loving eye on every single one of our students. And sometimes they're offer often sometimes they're overlooked um but they are the ones who
029are um right there whenever there is a need for our students and our staff. So just want to highlight some of our our new nades. Um we have some new nades from Washington here. Um Georgia Pradesh, she's in the left photo. She's teaching our kindergarteners how to properly and safely use the swing. Um, we also have Katie Coco from Burl playing Gaga Ball with the kids and Leanne Frederickson and Annette Taylor Sanchez from Lincoln uh monitoring our students during lunchtime in the cafeteria. So, we're lucky to have noses who are very much handson [clears throat] care for the kids. Um, we have Miss Jana Hansen Hansing at Madison. So, there's some Madison photos there. Um, we also have a shout out to Toita, Amanda Price, and Madison Hoffman here in the pictures. Again, actively supervising,
030but very much engaging with our students. It's not just being a watchful eye, but also developing relationships with our students and um and having fun with them. We have a lot more new, but those are some of the highlights. Want to again highlight our school resource officers. They are our family. They are not just there to respond when we have a need, but they proactively participate in activities. They come to a lot of our events and we want to thank them as well as our firefighters and first responders who show up in record time every time we have a need. But here they are creating uh making snow cones and giving out treats to the Paris students um and doing a lesson. So we appreciate Jenna and Rex. Our campus supervisors, we have Mr. Isaiah
031Long here at the South Bay at adult school. Every single one of our campus uh secondary campuses has a campus supervisor including our adult school. So we're really fortunate for them to show up and have a presence. Here's a few at our high school. We have Deontay Henderson and um Barrison Muro at RUHS. Sorry, Bernice Muro at RUHS. Um, it's a very large campus, but we have a very caring crew who spreads out and gets around, walks around, checks in with the students. Here's some more RUHS campus supervisors, Mitchell Yanamura, Juan Ruiz again, Bernice Muro, and Paul Toia. Rain or shine, that's where they are. Um, at our middle school, we have Miss Marina Martikian and Mr. Chris Mc Chris McBride um at Adams Middle School in this picture. You could often see Chris doing
032some of the cheers with the cheerleaders at times. We also want to thank our crossing guards um and thank you board for helping to acknowledge them. Um here on the left we have Mr. Freddy Brown at Alta Vista. He shows up every day along with Chris Frell and Jean Allegro from Jefferson. Again, the crossing guards are part of our family. These are volunteers who are committed to helping make sure that our students get to school, cross busy streets and intersections safely. Um, here in this picture, we have Mr. Brian Reese on the bottom left from Mountains Middle School and the top left is Candace Peterson from Burl and the bottom right is Patrick O'Neal from Burl or the just the right. And here's just a highlight from the event that we had a couple of
033weeks ago highlighting um recognizing all of our crossing guards. So, we want to thank the city for providing this asset and this resource to our school district. We wouldn't have the crossing guards without our city and also thank Chief Hoffman, city council members, and our board for um being present that day to acknowledge the crossing guards. Um want to just share an overview of our annual safety training. Sometimes families um aren't aware of the trainings that we do and how important they are. So here's the highlight of trainings that we do at every school site. We do have lockdown drills. We do the run, hide, fight drills for students fourth and up in grades TK through three. It's called a safety training so that they learn to follow directions. Um but we do a lockown
034drill. As you can see here, we do shelters, shelter in place drills. There is a difference between the two. Um, fire drills are done and obviously our earthquake disaster drills that's done during the great shakeout. These are just a few pictures highlighting the drills. Again, we knew Madison was showing up, so we want to highlight there's a lot of work that goes behind the scenes and sometimes people don't realize how much work it takes, but it helps us to be prepared so that when there is an incident, we can respond um in a timely manner and account for all of our students and know where our supplies are. So, this is just a little preview of what that looks like. Um, at our school sites, there's a lot of role playing that goes on. students
035often may pretend like they're injured, etc. Again, quickly, um, our school resource officers and along with our executive director of student services, Mr. Curtinbach, are going to every school site to continue to do the retraining of Renhyde fight. So to our staff and so these are pictures highlighting that training with our staff in partnership with our school resource officers um so that we can make sure our new teachers know what's going on and just reminders to our veteran teachers. Um uh we you may remember we had the insur ensure safety practively committee and one of the outcomes from that was new buzzins and I'm here to say proudly thanks to our IT team and excuse [clears throat] me s our community are the buzzins are now in effect at Lincoln and Paris the first two
036schools that we started so you do have to buzz in and Washington and Adams will are next those are coming soon and we'll continue to move forward with our schools um And so this is what it looks like on the inside for staff. Um again just another added layer of safety and security for our schools and our and our staff and students. Sprigio um is some is a program that we have at our middle and high school and it is a confidential anonymous platform. So, just want to highlight that students can make an anonymous uh report if they ever feel that there's an issue that needs the administration to look into and an email is sent immediately once a bigger report is made. So, last but not least, um just want to continue to encourage
037our community and our students in particular if they see something to say something. Um it's the reason why we're able to get through situations that we had a couple years ago um without anyone being hurt. And here, as you can see, we want the students as young as elementary to learn that it's it is okay and encouraged to speak up when just something doesn't feel right to a trusted adult. And we're very lucky that we have schools filled with trusted adults, our teachers, our counselors, and all staff who are willing to step in and help at any time. So safety takes a village. Um, now I just want to shift gears and introduce to you our new coordinator of special education, Dr. Algra Johnson. We're so excited to have her and she's here this evening
038so you can meet her in person with her mighty mighty crew. So, Dr. Johnson, please introduce yourself and thank you for coming. >> Hi. Hi, everyone. Good evening. I'm uh I'm joined by my unpaid executive assistant [laughter] and my videographer. Um so, board president, elder, members of the board, Dr. Wesley, leadership cabinet, and uh community members, I am just here before you with a a deep feeling of gratitude to be able to join this team as your new special education coordinator. Um, I felt from the very moment when I walked into the leadership meeting on my very first day at work. That was fun. Um, this is exactly the place that I am supposed to be. And the three things that have stood out the most to me in the past two weeks is just
039the the palpable sense of warmth that we feel on all of our campuses, the uh unwavering dedication to excellence that I've experienced from all of the staff, and then also just the witnessing of the deep amount of compassion that uh we all have for ourselves and for others. And the reason that these things stand out so deeply to me is because I feel like these are exactly the things that you need within a community in order to really support the inclusion of diverse learners. And so I'm just so happy to have found my pl myself in a place where who you know that values these uh these things. Uh with me I have my daughter and my son. They are joining me here today and I want to say a special thank you to both
040of them. U me taking on this role meant a transition for them. they had to switch schools at the beginning of November, which is certainly not an easy feat, especially for a very uh precocious third grader back there. So, I just want to say, Matilda, thank you for being so flexible and loving during this transition. And I'm really proud of you for just your courage and your openness to the change. And Teddy, I just want to say to you that I'm really proud of how enthusiastic you've been about starting your new school. and thank you for being so encouraging to me for getting hired at a new job. Uh the other Dr. Johnson can't be here tonight because he is with his board right now in Elsagundo. So uh I know he'll be watching the
041replay. So I just want to say shout out to you Jason. I'm really grateful to have a partner uh both professionally and personally who values extending access to all students as much as I do. Um, and I just want to say again, I'm I'm very very deeply grateful to be officially a part of the family and really excited about all of the work that we're going to do for students in the community. >> Well, thank you, Dr. [applause] >> Thank you so much for coming and Miss Coughlin again, exe our new executive director for coming this evening. And that concludes my report. >> Thank you. And we're very excited to have the better Dr. Johnson here. >> [laughter] [laughter] >> Excellent. >> That brings us to our hearing section, item 8.1. Members of the audience
042may address the board on any topic regardless of whether it is listed on the agenda. However, due to the Brown Act regulations, the board cannot engage in public discussion on items not on the agenda. Topics not on the agenda, which are brought to the board's attention, may be investigated by the administration and a report made to the board either publicly or privately at a future meeting. Comments from visitors shall not exceed three minutes unless the time limit is waved by majority of the board. The board shall limit the total time for public input on each item to 20 minutes. With board consent, the president may increase or decrease the time allowed for public presentation depending on the topic and the number of persons wishing to be heard. We'll start with written requests. We have one
043uh from Kai Bar. >> Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Kai Parr and I'm a 12th grade student at Roondo Union High School. In my freshman year, I began volunteering with Surf Rider Foundation where I met an invaluable friend and mentor. Fortunately, she couldn't be here today, but she was a teacher in RB for many years. Sheire inspired me to get involved with several environmental aligned organizations, including the South Bay Parkland Conservancy, Caro Marine Aquarium, and a Green and Blue Careers Internship. I'm also part of the California Youth Climate Policy Leadership Program, an internship hosted by 10 strands, und undaunted K12, K through2, and the CR Club. With guidance from fellow interns, alumni, and my wonderful mentor, I have been developing a school board resolution. Tonight, I'm asking the board to consider
044this resolution, which advocates for two things. Firstly, for the district to formally declare a climate emergency, and secondly, for the district to begin developing a comprehensive climate action plan in partnership with the community. The state of California has set several ambitious climate goals, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to 100% clean energy, [snorts] and integrating climate literacy in school curricula. The city over Dondo Beach is currently updating their climate action plan from, I believe, 2017. and RBD itself was recognized with the Green Ribbon Schools award in 2016 through 2017. These accomplishments should definitely be celebrated, but a lot has changed in the past 8 years. Global greenhouse gas emissions and temperatures continue to rise, which makes it increasingly important that we take steps to protect our community. We are already seeing the impacts of climate
045change. Earlier this year, unusually dry and warm conditions intensified wildfires in Los Angeles, causing a severe degration of our air and ocean water quality. Officials recommended wearing a mask outdoors, and Surf Rider Foundation South Bay chapter paused studentled water quality testing for the first time since the pandemic. Many families and even schools were displaced by these fires. In the Palace Veries area, climate driven climate change driven landsides have put numerous homes at risk and many have already been lost. These are just a few examples, but they show a clear pattern. Climate change isn't some distant threat. It is impacting us right here, right now. However, there's still hope. [snorts] Young people across California and around the world are stepping up to advocate for environmental justice and stronger, more resilient communities. I'm asking the Roondo Beach
046Unified School District to take action, not only for the youth it serves presently, but also for future generations and families who will continue to rely on this district. By adopting this resolution, RBUSD can help ease eco anxiety, help prevent long-term health impacts for climate change, and show students their actions have a meaningful impact. I would love to present my draft proposed resolution at the next meeting, and I'm hoping to get on the agenda, but it's still work in progress. Thank you for your time and for the space to speak on this. >> Thank you so much. [applause] >> Don't have any other written requests. Would any member of the public like to speak on anything either on the agenda or off the agenda? No. The written requests. Okay. We will move on to item 8.3
047to open the public hearing concerning the availability of a statutory school fees and migr mitigation payments report for fiscal year 2024 and 2025. Motion in a second to open the hearing. >> So moved. >> Okay. >> All right. Any member of the public like to speak on these also commonly known as developer fees. >> All right. Then is there a motion a second to close the public hearing concerning the availability of a statutory school fees and mitigation payments report. >> Student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? I. >> Any nos or abstensions? Okay, [clears throat] brings us on to our communication section. This section provides an opportunity for the board of education to hear reports and communications from our employee associations and the community support organizations listed below. All reports are limited to five
048minutes. Members of the public may address the board of education concerning the section. Each speaker will be permitted to speak for three minutes per item. The board may limit the total time for public input on each item to 20 minutes. We'll start with Rodondo Beach Teachers Association. Good evening. Um, I'm Sue Carlton, vice president, and this is Tracy Kelly, our elementary director, and we are RBTA leadership. Tonight, I'll be sharing actually my own thoughts and words. Um, I want to take a moment though to reiterate something uh that was previously shared uh to our incredible RBTA teachers. I too see you and I am humbled to stand in your company. I see the long hours, the creativity you pour into your lessons, the patience you show when the day stretches a little too far or
049is filled with rain, and the heart you bring into every decision you make for your students. And to our kindergarten teachers, I want to offer a special acknowledgement. You should have a big S on your chest because you are a superhero in my eyes. No one, and I mean no one, can multitask with the patience of Job, the magic of Santa Claus, and the energy of Tiger quite like a kindergarten teacher. I see the way you guide our little learners through their first steps into big kids school, helping them navigate big emotions, tying countless shoelaces, turning fear into excitement, and sparking a lifelong love for learning. You set the foundation for everything that follows. and you do it with a gentleness and strength and love that deserves to be recognized every single day. Our kindergarten
050successes aren't seen in the benchmarks or the test scores, but instead in the aha moments, the excited I did it and the loving bear hugs shared at the end of our long days. When I made the shift from teaching at Adams Middle School to teaching kindergarten, I had quite a bit to learn. I want to give a quick shout out to some of those amazing and remarkable colleagues whose knowledge and passion helped me survive the transition. To Melissa Smith, thank you for being my first guiding light in the world of 5-year-olds. Every day, you modeled positivity, endless smiles, joy, and love, inspiring me to do the same. You readily shared your lesson plans and weekly poems and endofthe-ear portfolio project among so many other ideas and activities. I'm truly grateful for you. To Jessica Mosley,
051thank you for always having a listening ear and being willing to brainstorm ideas and solutions for big problems and small ones. My students love showing their ideas in their monthly writing folders that you shared with me. Your knowledge of teaching littles and how to set the bar high inspires me to do the same. For you, I am grateful to Anne Collingwood, my kindergarten summer school bestie. You are the calming and encouraging voice on the other end of the phone when I feel like the mountain is too tall or my tank is empty. Your unconditional love for all of your students taught me to open my heart to do the same. Countless digital and even old school hard copies of everything kindergarten that you have generously given me. Those ideas and digital spinning wheels and seasonal
052craft ideas have all kept me afloat. Your unwavering support both professionally and personally encourages me to keep going even on the most challenging of day of days. I'm so very grateful for you and to all my fellow teachers at all grade levels. Your impact is real. Your work is meaningful and your dedication does not go unnoticed. I am proud to stand beside you, to learn from you, and to support you. Thank you for everything you do for our students, for our schools, and especially for each other. May our days all be filled with kindness and our hearts overflow with gratitude. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone from California School Employees Association like to speak? American Federation of Teachers? Rodo Beach Council PTA Good evening. I'm Amy Ha, president of Roono Beach Council PTA. I'm
053here to introduce the president of the Madison Elementary PTA, Amanda Mitzman. >> Good evening everyone. My name is Amanda Mitzman and I'm proud to serve as the PTA president at Madison Elementary. Tonight, I want to share a little bit about what makes our school so special. Not just as a place of learning, but as the heart of a truly connected community. Madison is unique because we are more than classrooms and playgrounds. We are families, teachers, neighbors, and local businesses who come together to create a school experience that extends far beyond our campus. When you walk onto our grounds, you can feel it. The warmth, the support that we're in this together spirit that defines who we are. One of the best examples of this is our Yeti neighborhood scavenger hunt, a tradition that is deeply
054loved by our students and families. If you're new to Madison, you might wonder exactly what that is. Every winter, Madison families volunteer their homes to become part of the hunt. They create magical yeti stops throughout the neighborhood, decorated porches, glowing displays, hidden clues, and creative surprises that kids race to find. Students bundle up, grab their maps, and walk through the neighborhood with their families, hunting for the Yeti and discovering fun details at each stop. But the Yeti Hunt is more than a scavenger hunt. It's a celebration of our community. It brings our families out of their homes and into the heart of our shared surroundings. Parents chat with new families, kids run with friends they just made 5 minutes earlier, and everyone gets to explore our beautiful Madison neighborhood together. We also invite our local
055businesses to join in on the fun, whether by hosting a Yeti clue, offering a special treat, or helping sponsor part of the event. It becomes a true partnership between our school and the small businesses that make our community feel like home. The hunt connects us not only to one another, but to the people who help shape the neighborhoods we live, learn, and play in. Events like this remind us why Madison is so special. We create traditions that aren't just about fundraising or filling a calendar. They're about building relationships, strengthening connections, and making memories our kids will carry with them forever. Our families don't simply attend events. They help build them. They contribute their creativity, their time, and their heart. Madison is a place where everyone belongs. Where we show up for each other. where our
056children not only learn but feel a part of something bigger and sense of a and a sense of belonging. That shared pride of our school and our community is what makes Madison so uniquely wonderful. Thank you so much for supporting our school and for being part of what makes Madison extraordinary. [applause] >> Thank you so much. and Roondo Beach Educational Foundation. >> Good evening everyone. Um so earlier this month um RBF hosted the ninth um community classic golf tournament. Um it was a wonderful event at a beautiful location, Los Verde Golf Course. Um everyone seemed so happy um and we had a successful event. um we netted uh over $34,000 and that money goes for vital programs that will impact on all RBUSD students. Um and since we're talking about funds raised, um I also
057have an important update about investor drive. So since my last report in early October, we have raised an additional $100,000. Um so now our total is close to $615,000. Um I also have an update about teacher grants. Um, RBF is pleased to announce that we have just completed the process of evaluating all teacher applications received. Um, we have received so many amazing applications. So, the job was not easy. Whoever was that on on that committee did not have an easy job. Um, but we are happy to announce that we funded 24 grants across all levels, uh, elementary school, middle school, and high school. Um, and I just wanted to thank all the teachers that have applied for the grants because we know the work that goes into that. Um, and in terms of what's next,
058we will celebrate Giving Tuesday on December 2nd. Um, for those who are not familiar with that, this is a global generosity movement in which millions people take part every year. Um, and we hope that every Roondo family will participate by supporting organizations like RBF or the PTA or any of their favorite nonprofits. uh by donating their money or their time to that. Um, thank you all so much for your time and I realize we're so close to Thanksgiving, so I'm going to say happy Thanksgiving to you and your families and everybody here in Redundo. Thank you so much. Thank you. >> Uh, superintendent comment. >> Comments. Excellent. That brings us to the general consent calendar. Would anyone like to pull any items for discussion? >> Yes, please. 10.4. 10.4. Any others? Is there a motion
059to approve item 10.1 through 10.3 and 10.5 through 10.8? >> Student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? I any or abstensions? Motion passes. Brings us to separate consent items. Uh is there a motion and a second to begin discussion on item 10.4? Adopt resolution R25-2617 recognizing December 2nd, 2025 as National Special Educ Special Education Day. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you. This resolution, as Mr. Alton mentioned, is to recognize December 2nd of this year as special national special education day. The rationale in our agenda um um summarizes succinctly. National Special Education Day observed on December 2nd celebrates and recognizes contributions and unique needs of students with special abilities. It emphasizes importance of inclus inclusive education advocating for equal opportunities and support to ensure the success and well-being of all learners. Like to
060um highlight two paragraphs of that resolution that being proposed to um resolve today. It reads, "The down Unified School District values all students with and without disabilities and recognizes all students have a right to engage in learning, benefit from meaningful in instruction, have friends, and be full members of their school communities. And the Red Beach Unified School District promotes inclusion and belonging. We believe that all students eligible for special education are general education students first and deserve to be educated in the general education environment alongside non-disabled peers with access to all school programs and activities. Thank you. >> Thank you. Any questions or comments? Student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? I. Any nos or abstensions? Motion passes. brings us to our action items. Items included in section 12 action items are considered to
061be in addition to the general consent items in section 10. Each item has a need for discussion and/or action. Members of the public may address the board of education on any item in the action item section. Each speaker will be permitted to speak for three minutes per item. Starting with item 12.1, approve and adopt resolution number R25-2615 of the board of education of the Roundab Unified School District relating to information made available to the public in the form of a statutory school facility fees report for fiscal year 2024 25 the reportable fees report and findings therein. Uh do we have a motion? Sorry, did I already get a motion for second? >> No. Motion and a second to begin discussion, please. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Thank you, Dr. Alper. >> Yes. Um, thank
062you. This is an annual report that we provide to the board and to the public on the fees um that we collect for when somebody is whether it's an individual that owns p private property or whether it's a business, we have we charge different rates, but basically in order to get signed off for your building, you not only need to pay the city and pay for fees, you also need to pay the school district. And the intent of the legislation around that um presumes that in particular if you're going to expand housing, whether it's for additions to a current home or whether it's for new homes, that along with those expansions and new homes, there will be need for more um facility improvements and growth at the schools. And so that's kind of the background
063of it. And um on an annual basis, we collect typically anywhere between $500,000 and a million dollars. Um and then those fees um that are collected are eligible for expenditures only on capital improvement projects for the school district. >> And up until recently, we have had an expanding student population from some of this new housing being built. So those developer fees were were pretty vital for that. Um what fee level are we at right now for level two? Are we at the 2020 level or 2022? >> 2020. >> Okay. Um and a fee justification >> 66 cents >> and a fee justification study might be somewhat challenging with declining enrollment. But if that situation changed um the current fee levels are much higher, but obviously you need to justify those, >> right? It's one of
064the reasons I haven't gone out requested an additional study. >> Yes. Yeah. If the uh the reallocation for the city actually gets built or things like that, um that might be a more appropriate time to reconsider, but probably not during declining enrollment. >> But you'll note that um the money that we do have collects interest and has a lot of interest on $4 million. Um we do we have um utilized it just more recently. Um the most recent expenditures that we've had were um the purchase of classrooms I'm sorry bathrooms at Madison and Washington kindergarten areas that are being installed this summer. But we've actually, you know, had them built, customuilt, and we've purchased them and they're waiting for to be installed >> and there have been facility needs to accommodate things like full day
065kindergarten and potentially full day TK and things like that. So, those are >> aligned very closely with what these are intended for. >> Absolutely. >> Any other questions or comments? >> Student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? I any nos or abstensions? Motion passes. Item 12.2. Motion a second, please, to adopt or to begin discussion on adopting a designated signature resolution number R25-2616 attached amending signature resolution from April 2025 organizational meeting. >> Dr. Halper. >> Yes. on an annual basis. Um, usually it's just part of a organizational meeting that you hold in April. You authorize, um, signatures for contracts, um, invoices, etc. And with a new director of special education, we have Melissa Coughlin added to this list and Danielle Duncan removed from the list. So, we needed to have that authorized by the
066board so Melissa can start signing contracts. Thank you. Any questions or concerns? Student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? I. >> Any or abstensions? Motion passes. Motion in a second to begin a discussion on item 12.3. Approve the change order request for Burl Heights Elementary School Fencing Project. >> Can we do all the fencings at once? Can we open discussion? >> I think you have to vote at once, but I I'll speak to them all at once. >> Oh, okay. Great. >> They all need a separate >> open and close. Okay. So moved. >> Second. >> Excellent. Dr. Halpert. >> Yes. I'm happy to speak to 12.3, 12.4, 12.5, and 12.6. Um, I [clears throat] believe you're aware, but I will remind you that um, when we go out for public bids, um, and
067contracts are awarded that, um, they are authorized for the amount of the bid and they if they make changes, whether it's um a result of um a principal changing his or her mind, whether it's, you know, a board member superintendent or deputy superintendent looking at the work and saying, you know, we didn't really consider this piece. We'd like to make a change on that piece. Um, if it goes over 10% of the bid amount, then it needs to come back to the board to have a specific authorization. So in the case of these four schools, the changes that were made exceeded the 10% um of the original contract. Uh and so you'll see for instance 12.3 was $32,800. Um and 12.4 was $16,850. 12.5 was 34,959. Um, and for Toledita it was 12,95. And on
068each of the attached change orders, it delineates the reasons why. So if you want if you look at the attachments, it's included specifically where the changes are. And it's not that other schools didn't make didn't have changes because all of them had changes. Um, but those changes were minor and so didn't hit the 10% threshold required to bring it back to you. >> And all of these were funded by measure S, which was some we identified for the community as a priority is secure fencing. >> Yes. >> Any questions or comments on 12.3 for Burough Heights? >> Student advisory vote. All those in favor? I. Any nos or abstensions? Motion passes. Motion is second to begin discussion on 12.4. Approve change order request for Lincoln Elementary School fencing project. >> Any questions on Lincoln's fencing
069project? Comments? >> Student advisory vote? >> I. >> All those in favor? I. >> Any nos or abstensions? Motion passes. Motion is second, please, to begin discussion item 12.5. Approved change orders request for Madison Elementary School fencing project. >> Second. >> Any questions or comments? Student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? I. >> Any nos or abstensions? Motion passes. >> Motion a second, please, to begin discussion item 12.6, approve change order request for Toita Elementary School fencing project. >> So moved. >> Second. [snorts] >> Any questions or comments? Student advisory vote. >> I. >> All those in favor? I. Any nos or abstensions? Motion passes. All right. Moving on. Motion and a second, please, to begin discussion item 12.7, approve energy services agreement, HVAC, with Pacific West Energy Solutions, DBA Energy Systems Group. >>
070Okay, this one's the granddaddy for the night. 8 um 39 million. I have Veronica Vargas here. I have Fred Nil here. Um the recommendation that you see before you for HVAC system replacement and um addition. Um reflects the conversation of the board for the previous two board meetings. And um then that was the eight um that that was what um the energy service the Pacific West group went back and took that input and then built out the scope and came up with the proposal and that is the those are the attachments that you see um connected to this um agenda item. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. want to start with questions or so I might jump in with one then. Um so one of the pieces on here and thank you again for putting this
071all together. Uh I know this is something our students and staff are really going to appreciate having working heating and cooling systems. Um much more modern ones as well. There was one section in the contract for the library HVAC replacement where it said the existing systems serving these four libraries are gas fired rooftop packaged units. The proposed systems shall be like forlike replacements of the existing units located the same location as the existing without the need for structural reinforcement or electrical power upgrades. Um when we talk about like forl like though, are we replacing any of the gas fired systems or these are all going to be heat pumps going forward? >> Uh so first off, good evening. Uh thank you for having me three months in a row now. Um so yes, like for
072like is going to be just the unit type. So for example, like if it's a package unit, we're going to keep it as a package unit rooftop. um if you had a wall unit, kind of the same thing there. But as far as them being heat pumps, that is our full intention to electrify Rodondo Beach's units. And so there's going to be a process where we go through design and we'll have submitts and specs and we'll share that with Dr. Alpurn and Fred and the district will have the ultimate decision to sign off on all of that information before we finalize and order um those products. But again, full intention to electrify and utilize the heat pump units. >> Thank you. Sorry, I know that's what you'd said in the previous meeting. I just saw
073the like for like and gas fired and wanted to make sure we weren't putting in. Thank you. >> More along the lines of the tonnage and size. >> Yeah. >> And and that was going to be my second question is thank you again for the survey results and all that information. It shows the tonnage of each unit and I know previously you said like for like so a three ton unit is going to be replaced by a three-ton unit and so forth. >> Awesome. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. [clears throat] >> Other. >> Hi. What's our timeline if if approved and moving forward? >> Uh so we have in exhibit D I believe uh we have a general timeline there. So I think our um Sorry. >> Yeah, no problem. Our goal is
074tiny. >> I know. Um and it's like the very end right after all the good stuff. Um but we intend to do our kickoff here. Um and I apologize if I don't know the exact date that's on there, but I believe it's 8th. >> There you go. By December 8th. Yeah. So that all dependent on who is involved on your end. Um and then we'll just make sure that once we have the official um you know signed contract and we move forward, we're going to get that scheduled to a kickoff. Um obviously the items that are going to be able to move faster are going to be the replacement units whereas the units that we're going to be installing brand new into the libraries, those are going to take some more time because if you
075recall that's going to be a DSA review process. So I can't really give you exact timelines on that because we're a little beholden. Um but we do intend to um start the design process and the review for immediately for the replacements. >> And just for the public that isn't necessarily looking at the project delivery schedule, the idea would be that potentially that construction would start this spring um with completion being um the end of summer 2027. So it's a year year and a half about for some a scope that's this large. >> Correct. >> This might be a question for you, Dr. Alburn, but I know we've done some DSA closeout work and we're almost across the line there. Uh is any of that potentially holding up any of this work? >> Excellent. >> No,
076sir. >> Great. Thank you. Glad to hear that. >> Any other questions or comments? I just want to say thank you for for working with us to understand the priorities and and plan this all out. Um again, I know uh students and staff are really going to appreciate this as our parents on those limited times they spend in the classroom when they feel what it's like to have a broken unit. >> Right. Uh student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? >> I. Any nos or abstensions? Motion passes. Thank you for coming out. Sorry you had to stick around. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate your time. >> Can we call it HVAC now classroom air conditioning not cooling? >> Sorry. When this is over, can it stop being classroom cooling and be air
077conditioning? >> That that's a different discussion for you guys. I think [laughter] >> it's cooling and heating though. >> HVAC. >> It's climate control. Now, I don't >> HVAC includes heating and air conditioning. That's what HVAC stands for. >> Call it air conditioning. >> It's cooler. All right. Uh, bringing us on to item 12.8. Motion in a second, please, to begin discussion on approving the 2025 2026 tenative agreement between the Rodono Beach Teachers Association and Rodono Beach Unified School District. >> So move, >> Dr. Stephanie. All right. I'm really excited to bring this tenative agreement to the board for um approval. Uh, the agreement includes a two-year salary uh package as well as uh money on benefits. We discussed and agreed upon um modifications to languages on language on leaves evaluations and this calendar for
078the 26th 27th school year. The agreement has been ratified by RBTA. Any questions or comments? Just want to thank you and the team for all the work that goes into this. I know it's uh it's definitely a process um but it's a very important one. So, thank you to everyone who was part of this and and getting this across the finish line. >> Thank you. Student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? >> I. Any nos or abstensions? Motion passes. [applause] >> One thing to highlight for uh for parents in particular is the school year calendar for the following year is now uh official. >> On the website tomorrow. >> Perfect. Excellent. So for for everyone asking, it'll be out shortly. Uh motion in a second to begin discussion on item 12.9. approved the 2025
0792026 tenative agreement between the early childhood federation, American federation of teachers, local 1475 AFL CIO and Rodon Beach Unified School District. >> Second, >> Dr. Stephanie. All right. With AFT, we also came to a tenative agreement. Um the same salary and benefits package. Uh but this on this uh agreement we talked more about preparation time and vacation. Um so they expect to ratify this agreement on Friday. Any questions or comments? >> We vote before they ratify. >> Yeah, you can. >> We can. >> We don't have to, but >> we are. >> No, I'm happy to. [laughter] >> Yeah. >> Student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? I. Any nos or abstensions? Motion passes. brings us to item 12.10. Motion is second, please, to approve the salary increase for non-represented employees, including management, supervisory,
080confidential, and adult education. >> Second. >> So, sorry, in line with the uh RBTA and AFT contract uh contract. Now, um, we extended the same salary increase and benefits increase to our non-represented employees, which are our managers, as well as our confidential employees and the adult school folks. >> Any questions or comments? Student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? I. Any nos or abstensions? >> Motion passes. Thank you, Dr. Nick. We have no information items tonight. That takes us to discussion items. Item 14.1, receive for first reading the following board policies, administrative regulations, exhibits, and board bylaws. Dr. Wesley, anything you would like to say about these? >> Uh, just that our team did uh divide them up um by department, read them, [clears throat] and um made some recommended changes. Um these are
081based on the CSBA, California School Board Association um recommended updates to existing board um policies. And so the one thing that we're proud of in Roondo is that our board policies are up to date and we keep them up to date by following a quarterly schedule. Um so we read through them. Generally these are um come into effect based on a law change, an ED code change. And [clears throat] so it helps inform us of what those changes are and how that impacts the policy. So tonight um we we simply want to know if there's any questions um before you before they're brought back to you to be voted on, but we're here to answer any questions if there are any. >> Thank you. Yeah, I know this was uh only 72 pages, which for
082board policies is somewhat light. >> Um but yeah, thank you to everyone who reviews them. I know the the details really do matter. Um, so thank you for going over them with a fine tooth comb and I appreciate all the work CSBA does with their lawyers to draft these in accordance with changing laws and case law and everything like that so that we don't have to do it ourselves. >> I wanted to really acknowledge the um the effort this time. I think this is the best that I've ever seen them done. >> Oh, thank you. >> Um, and it was noticeable and Mr. Curtenbach did a great job. Um, but for the first time I really felt like it was, you know, we could see exactly what was changed, how the changes were made. There
083were even some notes at the top that said, "This is why we did it or didn't do it." So, thank you. It really makes it a lot easier. >> Okay, that's good feedback for the future. We'll keep doing that. >> Keep doing what you're doing. >> Any other feedback? Okay. Well, we'll we'll bring them back next week. Um then again, if there's anything that comes up, you're more than welcome to let us know. >> Thank you. >> Sorry. Next month. [laughter] >> Next month. >> I don't I don't think a lot of people want to be here on Thanksgiving week, but uh >> Yeah, I know. [laughter] >> It's an aggressive timeline. >> Yeah. >> Uh moving on to item 14.2, city charter article 16. >> Um Yeah. So um we added this we're in
084particular wanted to discuss article 16.7 of the city charter. [clears throat] Article 16.7 of the city charter um indicates that board members um may serve uh two four-year terms um upon election by the u the community. And so, um, the reason why we're asking that you discuss it is because there, uh, in 2014, the district, um, did put on the ballot to change that from two terms to three terms. Um, I will speak as the superintendent and speaking to other superintendent, understanding the ED code has no limits, but that's not what I would be recommending. Um it it it I believe that it would be beneficial to the district and the school community that board members have the opportunity to serve up to three terms. And the idea is that the article 16.7 would be
085amended to say up to three terms in in instead of two terms um and not more than that. And um the reason is because it as some of you may know it takes about 6 to 8 years to really understand the inner workings of the district, the budget, what each um department is responsible for, developing the relationships, etc. And um after eight years, a a board member who's elected for two terms um can no longer serve and then you get a new board member in. And so three terms, I believe, again, speaking for myself, would would create more continuity uh for the district. It doesn't mean a board member has to run for three terms, but um should they run for three terms, um they would have the ability to uh really see projects through,
086continue to represent the school community after having this deep understanding of the district and relationships within the community. Um and also [clears throat] that oversight right for a superintendent um and cabinet and sometimes that that does erode uh when you have a change in positions every two years knowing that someone will not come back after eight years. So I um put this on the agenda just to begin the conversation to see if there's any interest among the board to consider bringing to the public on the June election. It's a primary election. um this charter amendment, you know, it would be a similar process uh that I think it was uh SB that uh was it SB charter that we recently did um allowing for compensation and hear your thoughts about whether or not you would
087be open to this charter amendment going on the June election, June 26 election. Just for everyone's understanding and clarification, uh what does EDC code say about the uh board member's term? >> So, if we were not in the charter, um then EDC code allows for board members to have unlimited terms. So, a board member could run in for as long as they'd want to um and have to be elected for a four-year term. And that's what most districts fall under. And I don't have the exact numbers up, but because we're in the I think there's about 12 districts in California that are in the charter and looking at them, [clears throat] u many of them have changed their language so that they are three-year terms. And I could provide this, I'll send this information to
088you. Um, and Roondo and I believe two other, again, I'm going off memory, two other districts are two terms and every other district is three or they fall under the ed code. So, it really is um we are really are a minority in terms of our term limits. And again, the recommendation would be just changing it from two to three and it would be up to the public to to vote on that. Um and then should they vote on it, it would be up to a board member. So, there's still a lot of choice, but it does allow for that extended level of continuity and oversight. >> Sorry, just real quick, you said uh three-year terms. Did you mean three terms for >> three terms for four years? Sorry. >> No, no. Just wanted to
089>> Thank you for clarifying. Yes, >> three terms. >> Anyone else? >> In the past, have there been um board members who essentially termed out um after two terms, eight years that have expressed that, oh, I wish there had been an opportunity for a third term. Well, that's why they put it on the ballot in 2014. >> 2014 it was on >> In 2014. So all of the previous school board members I know of that turned out there's only one the position that I hold right now is the only off. That's why there's only one person that's up because um Laura MD actually went to city council after one term. Every other schoolboard member has served the two the full two terms. I think one of the challenges you have with the term limits that
090we have right now was for example when we were elected 60% of the board turned over in a single election because the previous three members have been termed out. So you have a substantial potential change in direction um along with the power imbalance that comes with brand new board members who don't know what they're doing and don't understand what they can and can't do. Um it's interesting you see the same thing with the state legislature happening now with term limits coming on there is where you've got very new inexperienced lawmakers who really have to rely more heavily on their staff for everything rather than the lawmakers themselves being in that position. So it takes time to really season and have that experience to be able to be both effective um and be able to use
091your voice to advocate or or however you want to use it. Um, so it does change that power dynamic between the superintendent and the board by having more experienced board members um, in a lot of situations. Sorry, were you gonna say something? >> I was just going to say that I'm always amazed when we go to CSBA and we hear from all these people that have been sitting on their school boards for 30 years. Um, which I'm not in favor of. Um, so, uh, but I do understand what you're saying, especially, um, with Mr. Elders's comments because when three of us started, we were brand new. The majority of this board had just turned over and that was postco, it just the way it all worked out, it was a really rough uh, year or
092two for us. Um, so I I can see some value in doing three terms. I would say that um as the newest member on on the board, some of our discussions and some of the decisions and votes that we are asked to to discuss or vote on are things that um many will never see come to fruition. You know, leases that are out 25, 40, 50 years. Um I can see that as a new board member, there's a lot of material. I consider myself well um learned, well spoken and all that, but it is overwhelming to absorb all of this and feel that you are um being effective. And so you're right, it would take any board member, you know, the first term >> to sort of grasp everything. And I've been lucky enough to
093have been in our district involved more so than maybe other board members in terms of the Ed Foundation, PTA, um having been in discussion with cabinet over the years because of Ed Foundation. Um so I'm not I I don't I think it's a good thing and and like you said it is optional. There's nothing mandatory about it. It still is up to the individual board members to decide to run a third term if it is available. And then obviously it's still up to our community and the public to vote. So >> and it would open it up to previous board members too if they wanted to serve just a single term. But I'm not sure that really falls with I do know that like coming in and dealing with issues that the entire board that
094was around that first draft is gone can be a game of catchup and especially when you change superintendent too. I think it's nice to have a little more than >> although it's hard to imagine eight years going by that quickly. It does go by very quickly. >> Yeah. I think another pro is that um it allows board members to serve in leadership positions beyond Roondo Beach, you know, u whether it be a local leadership position or at a state level. Um, and it takes some time to make those relationships, but there are districts where board members are serving um, in in leadership positions, whether it be at the state level or at like a local superintendent consortium, and it's a little bit harder to do that when they have this change. So, it's another thought,
095but it it allows for continuity, stability, um, and just that that knowledge that you gain is it's easier to pass on uh, when you have a uh a majority who've been on the board longer than four or eight years. Again, those are my thoughts. >> We don't have any CSBA delegates on our board today. Won't do you know when the last time or have we ever had? >> No, I don't think we ever have. >> Yeah, eight years is not enough time to really network with other school board. >> We can nominate you if you >> No, thank you. [laughter] No, that was not where I was going with that. But yeah, the the time it takes to build those relationships also with fellow school board members and your legislators, uh, legislative folks. Um, >>
096yeah, it's it's a lot to do when you've only got two terms. Um, but yeah, happy to nominate you right back. >> Um, you bring up a good point. Um, I this based I look back what it was like for me to get up, you know, learn and get up to speed on my responsibilities. I had a very closed mind set when I first started that I was only going to focus on the school district business alone and then I quickly realized how many other community partners work with our school district you particularly our city and then I realized the relationships that we have built over the years come um they have become invaluable uh I mean our we celebrated Chief Hoffman today that that's a prime example we work so closely with with our
097agencies around surrounding us close and and and not so close and to see that relationship sort of disappear over overnight after the two terms it could also be detrimental to um how we operate as a school district in a long term. Um so that's it's another piece that I think we need to consider and as uh board member Archer mentioned it's not uh it's not automatic that all the board members will decide to serve three terms and and obviously of being elected all three times. So there are plenty of options that are available. Um I'm thinking about what would be the con uh of this particular um change that we're propo we may propose um to the residents of Redandra Beach. There's I'm sure there reasons why the charter has two terms for city council
098mayor and school board members. Is there anything other than the obvious, which is to introduce new ideas and new um dots into the decision-making body? >> I think that's generally been the purpose for those term limits is to make sure you get fresh blood. Um but yeah, I I had a hard time finding other school districts that have a limit of two terms. Um there's not many out there. Three terms I think is reasonable. I don't think unlimited is the best because obviously you you do want fresh ideas. Um you at some point you're not going to have kids in the district anymore. You're not going to have those those connections that you had if you've been serving for 30 years. Um so that's you know the extreme example of the flip side of some
099of those people is they know they can call up people in the state house and get things done too. So that can go both ways. Uh I know I would not want to serve for 30 years though. But yeah, I think the idea really is to get those fresh ideas and perspectives in there. But what's that right balance is the trick. >> It looks like there's maybe five districts in California that have two term limits, but a couple of >> the entire state >> entire state. El Rancho Unified allows for two consecutive four-year terms and then they have a four-year break before they can serve again. So, it's not really a two-term limit. Seami Valley is two consecutive four years, then a four-year cooling off before eligibility. Again, these are the ones that have list
100two in their in their charter. Palo Altos, two consecutive terms as of right now. And Sweetwater Union High School in San Diego, two terms. Um but then these other districts like Newport Mesa, San Diego Unified, they um they have measures that allow that change their terms to three four-year terms. So I share this information with you >> and all the rests are unlimited. >> Yeah. Everybody else is not in a charter. So they they follow the ED code. Ed code allows for uh no no term limits. So, um well, the next the next step if the board is in agreement would be to um to bring the board a resolution that you would have to approve in order for us to um move forward with a ballot on the June for the June election uh
101allowing for us to ask the voters their opinion. as to whether or not they would agree to a change to that charter amendment 16.7 >> in a June election. Would that be through the county? >> Um, I believe that's through the county and yeah, that would we would also be paying for the expense for that like we did for the last charter amendment. >> Um, but I'd have to I think that's Yeah, that's to the I believe that's to the county. >> Okay. Yeah, understanding that it's a primary election. Okay. Primary election. Would anyone be opposed to that coming back to you? >> Yeah, I mean I think for me it'd be helpful to just hear from the community, but I'd like to continue the discussion, but yeah, it'd be nice to hear community feedback
102on what their thoughts are because they have voted it down before. >> Um, they may, you know, have opposition. They may have other ideas as to the cons. um or times may have changed and they may recognize that, you know, it's time to change too. So, I'm curious to hear more thoughts and feedback from the community. >> How do we go about gathering community input? Um I'll be interested in that as well. I don't want us to go down the path of community is tested against it and that's a lot of resources being spent. Um or or >> you're spending resources to ask about it. >> Yeah. Well, we we can start we can for free ask our school community because we have access to them. So, we could um send a brief survey to
103our school community um meaning our our families that live within Roondo [clears throat] Beach because they would be voting um and anything beyond that would be a fee, you know. So [clears throat] um we would need to employ um you know a third party to to do a survey for us. So it just depends on the extent to which we want to look into that. >> Each of us can do whatever outreach we want at community events you know propose the idea feedback bring it back and discuss it. Um I can I will be going to the PTA council meeting with all the PTA presidents on I think Friday and so I can um bring it up then and I can share this with them and ask them to go to their school PTAs and
104try to garner information and feedback in that way that manner. Um that's you know more anecdotal but as you know these are people who are very active in our schools. um and communicate with a lot of the families. So that would be a great way to at least hear from those who are actively involved in our school community as to what their thoughts are. >> That's one another way. >> Sorry. Could we also make sure to check with our unions uh partners? I I believe it's important to have their thoughts and voices. Not all I understand here to vote but there work here and I I would like to we I think we should seek that information. >> Okay. So we can um reach out to our association leadership. >> Um we can survey [clears
105throat] our our families and um I can speak to PTA council. Any other ideas or thoughts? Well, if you have any, you can email me and then I can share that information with you in a Friday update or at the next board meeting. >> And the cabinet members, please feel free to share your thoughts too, Dr. Wesley. Those are important as well. [laughter] All right. >> Any other questions, comments, feedback? >> All right, then. Uh, moving on to announcements and communications. 15.1 board members reports. Starting with board member Archer. >> Oh, it's been busy. Um, I was able to do uh school site visits at uh Washington Elementary and Bernie Elementary. If you ever want to just feel good, go out to an elementary school and you get to see these um great kiddos running
106around just loving to learn and and just those school sites are so much fun to visit to see what's going on. Um I went to Adams Middle School as well and um I love that campus. I really do. Um on that note, uh it was the same day that we had the power outage everywhere. So, thank you to Miss Garcia, her amazing IT team that just literally jumped in and kept us going. Um, to our teachers though, um, without, uh, internet and all of the wonderful things that we've relied upon, they were really creative at Adams. Um, they were given exams, they were reading the questions, and the kids were taking their tests. Um, they went back to an old school projector. I was like, what is that thing? Um, so thank you to our
107teachers for being creative when our internet and our power is out. Um, because there was no learning loss. So that was really amazing. Um, uh, I got to play in the RBF golf tournament. That was so much fun. Uh, thank you to RBF. Thank you to all of our businesses. Our, um, our UHS golf team was there. Um, a lot of our business partners were really excited to actually see the athletes that we're supporting. So that was always fun. We love to have them every year. um Jeff Seleno's uh dream school if you went to that presentation uh it was amazing. Thank you to Dr. Anthony Toronto for putting that together. And as Dr. Wesley said that night, it isn't just for our parents and our students. It's for our entire South Bay community because
108we do Roondo support all students in the South Bay. Um just a reminder, you know, our kids are are who they are and and and supporting their journey um here, but also what is the next journey for them. Um I got to go to Scrock for the first time at their fall open house. Um if you've never visited, what a cool campus. Um it's like uh I'm going to date myself in terms of you know when you were in high school and you had home act and auto shop and now it's nowhere. It's at Scruck. Um what a great place. Um, and so thank you uh to our school district for supporting that. But um I'm definitely going back to check out the other classes. And um what else? What else did I do? I
109was really busy. Um and uh in light of of Thanksgiving and what we are thankful for. I have many things to be thankful for in my professional and my personal life, but as a board member, I want to thank our community um for for giving me this opportunity to serve our students. I want to thank our parents. Um given the choices that you have, you choose um to support RUHS, uh RBUSD in the whole child development. And then I'm thankful for our students. Um when I get to be on these campuses and I see our students and our teachers engaging in learning, um the students energy, their creativity, um their humor, um their dress code, um it is enlightening. So, thank you. I'm so thankful for all of our students that make um what I
110do here have purpose. So, happy Thanksgiving to everybody a little early. >> Thank you, Board Member Silverman Neoth. >> So, I'm going to try not to just repeat um because um I I was on many of those, but to highlight some, uh we did do a site visit at Madison that was fantastic. Um and and seeing the little kids, I mean the kindergarteners, Dr. Wesley always is going to sit down and just join them. So um they were amazing. Um Scrock open house was it blew my mind away. If you have never been to the Scrock openhouse, I'm highly recommending it for next year. We're going to make it mandatory because um anybody who has not been it it >> it is it blew my mind away. Like we went in and saw the dogs
111being groomed grooming. >> Um >> bring your dog down. They'll groom their dog for you because they need a practice. >> Yeah. Making fillings. >> Oh fillings. >> Fillings for teeth on the dentist. >> We're not going to bring our teeth. [clears throat] >> No, you can't. You can. >> You can have your blood drawn. Oh. Um, >> thank you. [laughter] >> The best thing about >> the best thing we saw were the the Toby or the uh golden retriever hanging out in the hallway and uh >> um it was just fantastic. And of note, we had so many Roondo students that were at the tables talking to people and I would say, you know, where are you from? I go to Roondo Union. Um more often than not. So, um, our money is really
112going to good use, um, at Scrock for these kids that are in plumbing, electrical, um, >> HVAC. >> Yeah, HVAC was at the table with the Roondo student. So, really was amazing. And then I wanted to bring us back to, um, we approved tonight the 10.5, which is the Cambridge District Symposium. Um, and how grateful I am for you, Dr. Garland, to bringing that and, um, how excited I am for us to kind of embark on that adventure as well. >> Thank you. Uh, board clerk Flynn, >> been enjoying the site visits, too. Paris Middle School being the most recent one, which it's always fun to see um kids in learning and the curriculum and the way the teachers are really creative um in implementing wit and wisdom at the middle school level. So, that
113was exciting. Grateful to the teachers, to the families, to the parents. I know everybody deserves this next week off. I hope everybody takes a well-deserved break and um takes stock of everything they're thankful for. >> Thank you. uh board vice president Joe. >> Thank you. Continuing on uh being appreciative and being thankful, you know, um I know that it was high letter earlier about crossing guards. Just want to thank all the crossing guards showing up to um keeping everyone safe. We appreciate um their service obviously for uh our police department's support of of our our crossing guard team and also thanking the city of Rodana Beach continuing to uh funding this programs. Um, as mentioned by Akily Field Day, I I was there was awesome. I ran around like a fifth and eighth grader. Um,
114it was it was wonderful to see a Seahawk Bowl just filled with our uh young students and I also learned that they we had participation from Hermosa Beach City School District. We we thanked um their students and teachers have participated. It was it was awesome. Just just great great and it was um great highlighting of our facilities and and the student athletes were so encouraging. Um my daughter was there as well and she was so much nicer than I remember her being to her [laughter] siblings. So thank you Kylie. Um I learned a lot from attending South Bay Aerospace Alliance. Um I was reminded again this this big economic engine that we have in South Bay. um along alongside aerospace. Um there there there's so much opportunity that's ready to be tapped. Um and that
115was followed by my field trip to refinery torren refinery. Um I'm working on getting the connections to Serra. Um they are looking for more people to work there and that's the connection they're looking for. We'll get you connected uh there. Um, wanted to thank before I move on, field day, Mr. Winkler and all the teams across the district that made that happen. It took a lot of work, a lot of buses, a lot of red t-shirts. Um, it was it was awesome. And um, on the Miss Jeff Celingo's um, presentation, we also know that the council PTA pitched in a lot of help. Thank you. Um I was able to participate in CIF uh games uh volleyball and particularly football last Friday. As you may remember it was pouring rain and we show a great
116support. The the stand was full of our parents and students. And I also want to let you know that the entire squad of our cheerleaders were there from start to finish and they were soaked but that did not temp you know damper their spirit and they were they were very very happy and we won of course that helped um they were there that night even though they have a competition next day which um key reported they won first places 8:30 in the morning in Fontana and unlike like the boys, they don't just roll up the bed and go get in the car. They have to get all dressed up. So, it was tremendous work and there were it's great showing of support and dedication and school spirit. So, thank you and >> and then we
117have a game this Friday. Um and then I was lucky enough to to participate in Veterans Day tribute. Um, thank you for all those who have served and are currently serving. I for one am keenly aware that the freedom I get to enjoy with my family every day is not free. So, thank you. And wanted to wish everybody happy Thanksgiving and also thank once again Chief Huffman for his outstanding 31 years of service to this this amazing community. Thank you. >> Thank you for that. Um, yeah, I I would echo everything everyone said, but in the interest of time, uh, you know, few fun highlights. It was great getting to see Adams without internet access because it was it was I thought hilarious how many parents reached out and asked me if school was canceled
118because there's no internet. And I had to remind them that we all, maybe not all of us, I went to school before there was internet and we did okay. Uh, obviously it's disruptive to teachers plans and things like that, but our amazing teachers came through. They pivoted. I saw the kids having a good time. Uh so you know thank you for dealing with a world without internet. I know that that >> is challenging for some to even imagine u my kids as well but uh that that was exciting. Um but yeah I mean athletic day was just incredible to see this sea of red shirts because you weren't from Madison, you weren't from Lincoln, you were all Roondo, you weren't Adams, you weren't Paris, you were all RUHS, even Hermosa. All of them together just
119this sea of red shirts. These kids so excited to be out there and have this experience. I mean, coming from an elementary school and seeing our high school facilities for the first time is like walking into a college campus. It's just incredible. So, the excitement and joy we were able to bring to them is is just incredible. So, I know it's a lot of work and a lot of coordination. Thank you to everyone who made that happen. Uh I'm so glad they got to experience that and take those memories with them and uh you know, can't wait to see them come back in three years or next year um depending on if it's fifth or eighth grade. Um you know, likewise, finding your dream college sparked a lot of great conversations. Hopefully uh you know
120a lot of families learned a lot. Um it ticked their pressure down a little bit and realized there's more options out there. Um you hopefully help our students as well. But yeah, so many great things going on. Um but yeah, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, I just wanted to, you know, I'm really thankful to be in a community that really values education and wants to invest in our children and and really believes in everything. you know, children of the future and to the amazing team of adults we have who also bring that passion with them every day to the classroom and every day to our campuses and understand that uh you know it takes a lot of work to help our students reach their full potential and thrive, but they bring that every day. Uh
121you know, so many amazing people working with our students to give them their all. I'm so thankful for that because you don't see that everywhere. It is very special what we have here to have this one team. um you know whether you work here, whether you volunteer, whether you're helping out in the classroom, whether you're fundraising, whether you're writing emails, whatever it is. Um so many people are working so hard behind the scenes to support our students and give them their all. That's that's really special. Um and I hope our students appreciate that. I know a lot of them do. Uh and it's, you know, it's just it's it's wonderful to see. So that is what I am really thankful and grateful for. And uh you know, I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. get
122to enjoy some time with family and friends, refresh and recharge, and come back ready for the holidays. Uh, with that, our calendar of events. On November 21st, trimester 1 ends for elementary schools. On November 24th through 28th, we have Thanksgiving break. On December 11th, we have a special board meeting here in the boardroom uh at 8:30 a.m. On December 16th, we have a regular board of education meeting here at 5:30 p.m. And then December 22nd through January 2nd is winter recess. That is their >> and we have a jingle jam somewhere in between there. >> Yes. >> For our staff. >> A few fun activities before. >> Was that Wednesday, December 17? Wednesday, December 17th. >> Excellent. And the first week of December, the school board will be at the annual education conference. >> Is
123there a motion and a second to adjourn? >> Second. >> All those uh student advisory vote. >> All those in favor? >> I. >> Any abstensions? We are journed at 7:17.