Amber L. Arias

The meeting included reviewing public comments across three educational service centers, which yielded no input. The committee proceeded with the approval of the December 10, 2025, meeting minutes. The County Superintendent provided updates, including attendance at the Trona High School grand opening, a Foster Youth Holiday Event, the start of student events season, and an upcoming Budget Perspectives Workshop concerning the Governor's 2026-27 Proposed Budget. Outgoing Executive Committee members Israel Fuentes and Don English were recognized for their service. Legislative updates included a Washington D.C. report noting budget discussions regarding education funding cuts/increases and a Sacramento update detailing strong state revenue growth, a projected 2.41 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and significant funding allocations for education and special education within the Governor's Proposed Budget. The committee also reviewed the first draft of the 2025 SANDABS State and Federal Legislative Platforms. Finally, elected officials' representatives provided brief updates on priorities like early childhood education and legislative packet releases.

The meeting focused on the annual election of members to the County Committee on School District Organization. Due to the lack of a 20-voting representative quorum, a preferential vote was taken instead of an official election. The committee discussed the election process for two seats in the First and Fifth Supervisorial Districts. For the First Supervisorial District, Dolores Williams was elected by a vote of 12 to 5. For the Fifth Supervisorial District, Evelyn Dominguez was re-elected with 18 yes votes. An overview of the committee's responsibilities and the election process was provided.

The Executive Committee meeting included a roll call confirming a quorum and a public comment period for agenda and non-agenda items. The committee approved the minutes from the September 10, 2025 meeting. Key discussions involved an update from the County Superintendent of Schools regarding the signing of an Automatic Admission MOU with Cal State University San Bernardino, recognition of Countywide Teachers of the Year, and a report on a Family and Engagement Summit. Legislative updates covered federal issues, such as the confirmation of the October 2025 federal funding allocation despite a government shutdown concern, and state issues, including Governor Newsom's veto of a bill extending substitute teacher assignments and updates on new immigration-related laws. The committee also adopted positions on pending legislation, specifically supporting House of Representatives 2402 (No Hungry Kids Act). Emerging advocacy items included discussions on a Transitional Kindergarten subcommittee and legislation focused on providing training for local education agencies.

The meeting began with the confirmation of a quorum for the SANDABS Executive Committee. Key discussions included the approval of the previous meeting's minutes from November 12, 2025, a section for the County Superintendent of Schools Update (which did not occur), and recognition of an outgoing Executive Committee member for service exceeding four years. The committee also handled the election and re-election of district superintendents for the Executive Committee, effective January 1, 2026. Updates were provided by legislative advocates concerning federal education issues, such as the passage of the Secure Rural Schools Authorization Act, and state education topics, including a significant surplus in state revenue projections but ongoing concerns about sustainability. Updates were also received from the offices of County Supervisor Paul Cook and State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh regarding local and state initiatives, including healthcare partnerships and legislation on pediatric cancer research and mental health resources. Finally, an update was given on the development of the 2026 state and federal legislative platforms.

The Executive Committee meeting agenda includes several key items scheduled to occur across three physical sites connected via teleconference. Discussions will cover the County Superintendent of Schools Update, recognition of outgoing committee members, and legislative updates from advocates in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. The committee is scheduled to adopt positions on pending legislation, review the first draft of the 2026 State and Federal Platforms, and hear reports from elected officials. The addendum specifies a process for taking positions (Support, Oppose, Watch, No position) on legislative bills, noting a current 'Support' position on federal bill H.R. 2402, the No Hungry Kids in Schools Act.