Arron Apperson

This memorandum outlines the San Mateo Union High School District's significant achievements and progress during the Fall 2025 semester, emphasizing academic and socio-emotional growth. Key areas of focus include enriching curriculum and instruction through new course approvals and improved academic indicators, advancing equity via inclusive policies and community engagement, and promoting sustainability with environmental initiatives. The district has also expanded comprehensive student wellness and mental health support, enhanced operational efficiency and infrastructure, and strengthened human resources and multilingual programs, all aimed at fostering student success and a supportive learning environment.

The tour included site visits to Burlingame, San Mateo, Aragon, and Hillsdale High Schools to review capital improvement project progress. At Burlingame High School, members observed progress on the Gym Replacement Project and completed Music Classroom Improvements, as well as the demolition site for a new 37,492 sq.ft two-story gymnasium slated for January 2025 completion. At Aragon High School, the group viewed construction for a new baseball and flexfield, noted that the swimming pool was replastered, and observed Phase II painting and signage improvements. At Hillsdale High School, site improvements included exterior and interior panel encapsulation, and the swimming pool was replastered, with future work anticipated to include a new shade structure and site beautification.

The Board of Trustees meeting addressed several key areas. Special presentations included an update on the Cell Phone Policy. In Human Resources, the Board approved various personnel actions, an addendum, the management/classified employees' holiday schedule for the 2026-2027 School Year, and the Superintendent's Amended Contract for the 2025-2026 School Year. Furthermore, resolutions concerning the Reduction in Force Due to a Reduction in a Particular Kind of Service and the Reduction of Classified School Services were approved. Under Student Services, an Inter-District Student Transfer Request was denied, and a report on the Governor's Proposed 2026-2027 State Budget Update was heard. Finally, the Board reviewed and discussed updates to specific Board Policies and Administrative Regulations from November 2025.

The meeting commenced with tours of Burlingame and San Mateo High Schools led by Greystone West. Key discussion points included a construction update on Hillsdale High School, potential traffic issues with the City of San Mateo, and review of the Mahler site for a potential District Office. Options for Maintenance, Transportation, and Technology offices, including demolition and rebuilding at a cost around $32 M, were discussed. The funding status of Aragon High School's $2.4 M matching grant was reviewed, confirming funds must be used for specific identified classrooms. In addressing the COC Yearly Report, the Deferred Maintenance Fund must be included, and the Board needs to make timely decisions regarding the District Office and Peninsula Alternative High School (PAHS). The committee also reviewed Measure M & O Budgets and Actuals, noting an estimated $3.5 M remaining in Measure M and approximately $46 M remaining in Measure O, with the possibility for the COC to make recommendations for spending. Ongoing concerns reviewed included the $24 M cost to replace transite panels at Hillsdale and Mills, the status of the AHS Flood fix where the City of San Mateo agreed to pay $280,000 for their part, and the $5 M cost for Stadium Lights.

Key discussions included the resignation of committee members and efforts to retain institutional knowledge, including contacting the district lawyer regarding term extensions for members due for term-out. The committee elected Cindy Montgomery as the new Chairperson, effective at the next meeting. Project updates revealed that several construction projects, including classroom buildings at Hillsdale High School and the Aragon CTE Building, were progressing, generally projected to be under budget despite some setbacks like rerouting a drain pipe at Aragon. Staffing reports indicated that both the Operations and Maintenance departments are understaffed compared to national statistics. Other capital projects discussed, funded by Deferred Maintenance and RDA monies, included necessary repairs for the San Mateo High School Clock Tower, music wing waterproofing, and unsafe backstops at Burlingame High School. A significant item was the planned construction of new Capuchino High School Science Classrooms, estimated at $6M from RDA money, and repairs to the Burlingame High School pool deck, for which the City of Burlingame agreed to fund half the estimated $1M cost.