Apple Valley Unified School District

The meeting began with a roll call. Student representatives presented updates from their respective schools. Rio Vista School of Applied Learning shared details about its culture of community and connection, highlighting ASB leadership, ELAB programs, various clubs like Charlmix Adventures and Flavor Labs, family nights, and successful fundraising efforts including the Step It Up fundraiser. High Desert Premier Academy reported on their Esports competition, graduation portraits, and positive results from a youth survey indicating students feel safer and respected. They also discussed a middle school social emotional learning presentation on acts of kindness and acknowledged their counselors. Field trips, including one to the Museum of Tolerance, and support for prom were also noted. Granite Hills High School provided updates on extensive February activities, including AVID college tours and an AVID forum, successes in CTE programs such as Skills USA regional competitions where medical students placed first in a local competition, and four skater pathway students securing paid internships. They also prepared for incoming 9th graders and planned to host the AVUSD field day for Special Olympics.

The meeting included authorization for the Superintendent's designee to enter into a contract for COVID testing and related services, with ratification scheduled for the next agenda. The board also took actions in closed session regarding public employee discipline, specifically the release of a classified employee. Furthermore, the board approved the memorandum of understanding with the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 828 regarding prescribed work hours. Agenda amendments were made to add the 2021-2022 SANDABS membership renewal. A significant portion of the meeting involved a detailed presentation on the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) review process, noting that clarification letters were anticipated from the County due to strict interpretation of the law. Budget adjustments based on the state-adopted budget were presented, highlighting an increase in concentration grant revenue due to a change in the LCFF calculation, clarification of compliance requirements for SR3 federal funding, and the introduction of new programs like the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program (ELOP). Other financial matters included the elimination of prior cash deferrals to be repaid in August and the forthcoming institution of a reserve cap in FY 2022-2023. A reduction in unemployment insurance payroll expense was also noted.

The meeting included time set aside for public comments pertaining to the closed session, followed by entry into closed session to discuss litigation matters, anticipated litigation, public employee discipline/reassignment/transfer/leave, public employee appointment/resignation/retirement/reduction, conference with a labor negotiator for two different employee organizations, conference with a real property negotiator, security matters requiring consultation with the Chief of Police, and superintendent evaluation. Following the closed session, student representatives from High Desert Premier Academy and Granite Hills provided updates. The student reports highlighted successes such as the High Desert Premier Academy student earning the state Seal of Civic Engagement, teacher appreciation recognition, and Granite Hills High School's successful production of "Mean Girls the Musical" (selling 703 tickets), choir programs winning Gold and Bronze at the World Strides competition, band securing second place at Music in the Parks, and numerous student and adviser awards from the Skills USA competitions. Associated Student Body (ASB) and Athletics also reported on recent events, including the farewell rally for the Class of 2024, upcoming senior sunset activities, graduation planning, the selection of next year's officers, and the upcoming 25th-anniversary celebration for Granite Hills. Athletic highlights included the softball team winning DSL for the first time, multiple league championships for boys' tennis, and significant placements in track and field.

The meeting commenced with public comments regarding board bylaws and procedures for complaints against employees. The board proceeded to a closed session to discuss pupil personnel matters, litigation updates (current and anticipated), public employee discipline/transfer, public employee appointments/resignations, and conferences with labor negotiators concerning AVUTA, CSEA, and unrepresented employees. Additionally, closed session topics included a conference with the real property negotiator regarding APN 3112417-000 CJC Holdings LLC, and the superintendent's evaluation. Following the closed session, the board held an organizational segment to elect a President, Clerk of the Board, a representative and alternate for the school and community college district representatives meeting, and determined the schedule for future regular board meetings (approved as monthly meetings). The open session included student group reports from High Desert Premier Academy (discussing new staff, updated learner outcomes, graduation rates, and college partnerships), Granite Hills High School (reporting on winter formal preparation, toy drive, and sports achievements), and Apple Valley High School (providing updates on cross country, volleyball, tennis, and football team successes, as well as talent show and canned food drive results). Union representatives from CSEA and AVUTA provided updates regarding officer elections, classification studies, COVID-19 protocols, and community involvement like the Christmas tree lighting. Finally, the board recognized an employee, Mr. Cliff Ledbetter, for demonstrating outstanding service and embodying core district values.

The meeting included a closed session to discuss pupil personnel matters, specifically expulsion cases and personnel matters involving discipline, dismissal, release, reassignment, transfer, and leave for certificated and classified employees. It also covered conference with legal counsel regarding current litigation cases. Discussions during the open session involved student reports from High Desert Premier Academy and Granite Hills High, highlighting academic achievements, a new e-sports program, and WASC accreditation renewal. Apple Valley High reported significant success in SkillsUSA regional competitions with numerous students advancing to state, and the recognition of ten student art pieces in the San Bernardino County Young Artists Gallery. The California School Employees Association (CSEA) presented their initial proposal for a successor contract. A key action item involved amending the agenda to bring forward the item regarding the enforcement of mass requirements. A major topic was the second interim financial report, which certified the district's financial condition, noting a shift to a positive certification and adjustments to Average Daily Attendance (ADA) projections downward for future years due to the expiration of pandemic hold harmless provisions, despite expected increases in LCFF revenue due to higher Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) percentages. Expenditure assumptions included step and column increases and rising retirement contribution rates.