Alison McMorrow

The Board of Trustees conducted a regular meeting covering multiple agenda items. Key actions included the expulsion of a student, approval of the 2024-2025 Comprehensive School Safety Plans, and first readings for updates to Board policies and administrative regulations regarding catastrophic leave for management personnel. Staff provided reports on the mid-year Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and an update on the Workforce Housing Readiness Plan. Additionally, the Board approved various items including a budget development calendar, change orders for facility projects (including Novato Charter School and Pleasant Valley Elementary), out-of-district/overnight field trips, and the disposal of obsolete materials and equipment.

The Board of Trustees conducted a regular meeting to address several key agenda items. Key actions included the expulsion of two students following closed session review, the approval of naming the artificial turf field at Sinaloa Middle School after a school custodian, and the acceptance of the 2022-2025 Independent Citizens' Oversight Committee Annual Report. The Board also addressed personnel matters, including non-reelection resolutions for certified and classified employees, approval of new job descriptions, and authorization for the CEQA exemption notification for a mini-pitch project. Additionally, updates were provided on the Equity Imperative Committee, the bilingual immersion program, and the English Learner program. Various administrative updates, contract renewals, and policy series revisions were also approved.

This document outlines the Novato Unified School District's (NUSD) strategy for utilizing federal funds from the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) programs (Title I, II, III, IV) to supplement and enhance local priorities detailed in its Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for School Year 2025. The district's approach emphasizes aligning federal investments with state and local programs to support student academic success, mental health and well-being, and family/community engagement. Key provisions addressed include monitoring student progress, reducing discipline practices, coordinating career technical education, providing professional development, fostering parent and family engagement, offering services for homeless youth, facilitating student transitions, and promoting the effective use of technology, all supported by continuous data evaluation and stakeholder consultation.

This Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for Novato Unified School District outlines the strategic direction for addressing student and community needs, ensuring accountability, and fostering meaningful engagement with educational partners. The plan is built upon three primary goals: promoting equitable academic achievement for all students by reducing disparities and increasing college/career readiness; cultivating nurturing and inclusive learning environments that prioritize social-emotional well-being and mental health; and fostering a culturally responsive climate that enhances school connectedness, celebrates diversity, and ensures equitable opportunities. Additionally, a specific focus goal addresses the needs of students at Marin Oaks High School to support academic success and socio-emotional well-being.

The board meeting covered a wide range of administrative and operational topics. Key discussions included the approval of the NUSD response to a Civil Grand Jury report on school safety, the authorization of 2025-2026 class schedules for secondary schools, and the first reading of a board policy on mobile communication devices. Personnel and educational matters addressed included the approval of the Statement of Need for Fully Qualified Educators for the 2025-2026 school year, various MOUs with community partners regarding mental health services and educational internships, and updates to board policies across several series, including business, student, and instruction-related updates. The board also received staff reports on the LCAP, the general fund budget, school safety, and bilingual immersion programs.