Amy Bettencourt

The board conducted a special meeting focused on governance norms and a budget study session. Key discussion topics included the review of board governance norms, an acknowledgment of the land occupied by the school district, and an extensive dialogue regarding the district's budget, specifically concerning special education funding. Members reflected on their roles, the necessity of responsible fiscal management, and strategies for delivering quality education while addressing ongoing budget challenges.

The meeting covered significant board actions including the authorization of a non-renewal notice for an associate superintendent and the approval of a retirement and settlement agreement. The superintendent provided reports on special education interventions, improvements in K-2 literacy pacing, and the upcoming district safety committee agenda which includes refining cell phone policies. Additionally, a budget collaborative session was held to address a structural deficit, and reports were presented regarding student participation in a school boards conference, community recognitions, and the tobacco use prevention education program.

The board held a study session regarding the district's fiscal stability and potential revenue-generating measures. Key discussion topics included the district's financial standing following a downgrade in its interim report, the process for engaging with the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, and the feasibility of proposing a parcel tax for a future ballot. Consultants provided an overview of parcel tax methodologies, including square footage rates, exemptions for seniors and individuals with disabilities, and the inclusion of accountability provisions such as citizens' oversight committees.

The board meeting focused on several key items, including a closed session to discuss public employee discipline, dismissal, and release complaints, as well as conferences with various labor negotiators representing associations within the district. Public comments were heard regarding the proposed termination of a specific employee, with several speakers advocating for her continued employment and highlighting her contributions to school safety. The board also addressed resolutions concerning the reduction or discontinuance of classified services due to lack of work or funds.

The meeting commenced with a closed session covering multiple sensitive items, including conferences with legal counsel regarding existing litigation (Guru versus Antioch Unified School District and Velasquez Hernandez versus Antioch Unified School District), student discipline matters, and anticipated litigation. Closed session also addressed labor negotiations with the Antioch Education Association, California School Employees Association Chapter 85, Antioch Management Association, and senior management. Following the closed session, the board held public comment where none was offered. Discussions in the open session included reports from the closed session (no reportable action taken), the Flag Salute, and a Land Acknowledgement recognizing the unseated ancestral homelands of the Bay Miwok people. Key agenda items involved the Superintendent's report, which detailed efforts in continuing the principles institute, focusing on five signature strategies, and reviewing data through Learning Impact Dialogues (LIDs), including a deep dive into IR and ESPA scores. The Superintendent also reported on the ADA campaign to reach 95% attendance and the launch of a new district-wide data dashboard developed in partnership with a vendor, which provides principals with digestible, drill-down data. Furthermore, the Student Advisory Council presented updates on their engagement with the "Start with Hello" anti-bullying and social-emotional support initiative, as well as their participation in significant district events. They recommended focusing efforts on adopting "Start with Hello" district-wide. Other reports covered the annual Ruby Bridges Walk to School event at ML Grand Elementary and the launch of the AUSD safety committee, which convened on November 6th to review safety protocols, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for December 3rd.