Andrea Maciel

The board discussed key business items including the 2026-2027 Personnel Commission Budget and resolutions for National School Nurse Day, Mental Health Awareness Month, and National Foster Care Awareness Month. The meeting featured recognitions for employees of the year and students participating in Student Leadership Day. Other business included ratifying agreements for consulting services, student athletic trips, facility use, and professional development programs. The board also addressed financial matters such as purchase order reports, utility payments, and various contract approvals for security equipment, plumbing repairs, and special education services. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding a new board policy on Student Leadership Day.

The Board of Education meeting focused on several key items, including the approval of the 2025-2026 First Interim Budget and associated budget adjustments, and the adoption of a resolution designating general funds as committed fund balance. The Board held public hearings and approved several initial sunshine proposals for successor negotiations with employee organizations, including the California School Employees Association and the District Police Officers Association. Additionally, the Board amended Board Bylaw 9250 and adopted a resolution to increase board member compensation in accordance with newly enacted legislation. Actions were also taken regarding the rescheduling of the annual organizational meeting, the approval of student expulsion agreements, and the ratification of various service contracts, purchase orders, and personnel-related items.

The Board of Education meeting covered a variety of discussion and action items, including casting a vote for the California School Boards Association Delegate Assembly Subregion 23-B. The Board reviewed and acknowledged receipt of the audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, and approved the District's Continuing Disclosure Annual Report. Additionally, the Board reviewed monitoring goals and resources for the 2025-2026 Local Control and Accountability Plan. Other actions included the ratification of various service contracts, approval of overnight special study trips for several schools, adoption of Comprehensive School Safety Plans, and authorization for the purchase of a learning management solution. The Board also addressed personnel matters including employment, leaves of absence, and separations.

The Board recognized the Schurr High School Girls' Water Polo Team as CIF Southern Section Division 4 Champions. Key discussion and action items included the ratification of the AB 1200 Public Disclosure document regarding costs for collective bargaining agreements with the Montebello Teachers Association and other employee groups, as well as the ratification of revised contract changes from the 2025-2026 negotiations. Additionally, the Board authorized various professional development conference participations, ratified consultant contracts for student services and mental health support, approved venue contracts for school events such as Prom and Grad Night, and approved facilities use agreements for election purposes. Financial actions included approving a transfer of expenditure, authorizing a new payment processing service, and reviewing various personnel employment, leave, and resignation items.

The Board of Education issued resolutions of appreciation for student representatives from several schools, including the Applied Technology Center High School, Bell Gardens High School, Montebello High School, Schurr High School, and Vail High School. Additionally, the Board discussed requirements for the upcoming governing board member election, specifically setting a 400-word limit for candidate qualification statements and requiring candidates to cover the associated costs. The Board also approved an agreement for legal services with Orbach Huff & Henderson LLP concerning facilities and facilities procurement.