Chico Unified School District

The meeting included discussions and actions regarding several Project Recommendation Forms submitted by various charter schools utilizing Measure K funds. Approvals were sought for CORE Butte Charter School's request to purchase additional removable aluminum frame bleachers for its new sports complex. Forest Ranch Charter proposed upgrading its current FX-80 control system to an FX-90 system due to obsolescence concerns. Sherwood Montessori sought approval to fund an addendum to the contract with King consulting firm to finalize the Charter School Facility Program (CSFP) application. The committee also addressed the proposed Measure K 2026 Meeting Calendar, involving changes to the May and June meeting dates.

The meeting began with the call to order and a flag salute, followed by the approval of the consent calendar with no discussion. The primary focus shifted to agendaizing and discussing a board member request regarding the purchase and contract for a new Riverside Technologies camera and video surveillance system refresh utilizing Verata technology. Several community members and teachers expressed significant concerns during public comment regarding the nearly $2 million cost, the use of facial recognition and AI tracking technology, and the company's controversial history, including previous data breaches, security failures, and workplace misconduct issues. Speakers requested increased transparency, a thorough review of the contract's scope, and consideration of alternative, more preventative safety measures over invasive surveillance.

The meeting began with a closed session where no action was taken. Key discussion points in the regular session included recognition ceremonies. The Superintendent presented the Superintendent Award for Certificated Staff to Tamara Ferguson, a lead teacher at LMA Vista Early Learning Center, recognizing her over 20 years of dedicated and inclusive teaching. Another significant portion of the meeting involved the annual organizational proceedings as per Education Code, during which the Board elected new officers for President, Vice President, Clerk, and Secretary. Rebecca Conan was elected President, Gail Olsen was elected Vice President, member Hayes was elected Clerk, and Superintendent Greg Blake was appointed Secretary. The Board also addressed setting the date, time, and place for regular meetings for the upcoming year, moving to approve the proposed schedule while noting ongoing discussions about potentially relocating the regular meeting venue. Finally, the CSEA Chico Chapter announced Julie Richie as the Member of the Month, recognizing her contributions as an IP mentor before her retirement.

The board meeting included student reports, notably a performance by the Emma Wilson Ram Choir. A significant portion of the meeting involved recognition of staff members: Stacy Baker and Stacy Hansen were recognized with Superintendent Awards for their dedication and positive impact on students. The CSEA recognized Ben West from the IT department as the January Member of the Month for his prompt and efficient technical support. District leadership provided updates on upcoming timelines, including the Federal Program Monitoring (FPM) review process, which requires board updates and approvals on items like the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program plan and the English Learner Master Plan. Additionally, the charter renewal process for two authorized charters, Blue Oak and Wildflower, was noted. The superintendent also announced dates for an open house for BCOE's CTE programs.

The meeting commenced with the calling to order of the regular board meeting, which was recorded and live-streamed, following an executive session where no action was taken. The agenda included student reports featuring the Bidwell Choir. The superintendent reported on recognizing Dan Lynville as the certificated award winner for February for his dedication and innovation, particularly regarding a new Prop 28 funded VEX/Lego Robotics program. Additionally, Denise Mchuan, the office manager at Bidwell Junior High School, was recognized with a superintendence award for her essential logistical and administrative support. The CSEA recognized Alejandro Zarate, the nutrition services purchaser, as their Member of the Month for his commitment to efficiency and strong vendor relationships. The board also acknowledged international educators from 21 countries attending a training program at Chico State. Board members shared announcements regarding school site accomplishments, including a Reading Pals training session focused on reading theory. The public comment segment featured discussions regarding controversial topics, including a parent addressing an incident where their child was allegedly told to commit suicide following a political post, expressing concern over perceived political bias from a board member. Another speaker addressed safety and liability concerns stemming from minors leaving campus during instructional time to participate in an off-campus protest, urging for supervised, on-campus demonstrations only.