Ben Dale

The meeting commenced with a closed session followed by an open session. Key agenda items included the Annual Reorganization of the Board of Education, which resulted in the nomination and election of the President, Vice-President, and Clerk. Actions taken in closed session included the approval of three separate settlement agreements related to OAH cases, where the District will provide Student related services. In the open session, the agenda for the current meeting was approved, and the newly reorganized Board structure was reported. The meeting featured a PVPUSD Highlight performance by the Ridgecrest Intermediate School Choir. Discussions and actions covered the acceptance of the 2024-25 Audit Report (General Funds, Measure M, and Bond Measure SOS), approval of the 2025-26 First Interim Report, and the approval of Resolution No. 11-2025/26 regarding a Supplementary Retirement Plan. The Board also made public the initial proposal from the Palos Verdes Faculty Association for 2025-26 contract reopening negotiations and adopted Resolution No. 13-2025/26 concerning withdrawal from the Schools Excess Liability Fund. Multiple actions were taken regarding the approval of TK-12 School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSA) for 2025-26, continuation of cabinet and superintendent policy review, first reading of revisions to Board Policies (9000 series), and appointment of 2026 Board Representatives to various committees. The consent calendar included numerous personnel assignments, approval of agreements for Special Education services, authorization for several overnight athletic and music field trips, approval of textbook pilots for AP Chemistry and intermediate/high school mathematics courses for the 2025-2026 school year, acceptance of gifts, approval of Purchase Order and Warrant reports, and approval of various contracts and service agreements, including facility repairs at Miraleste Intermediate School.

The regular board meeting included a closed session to discuss labor negotiations and employee discipline. Key discussions during the open session involved recognizing School Resource Officers and proclaiming a day for their appreciation. The Board approved the agenda for the current meeting and the minutes from the previous meeting held on January 28, 2026. Reports were given by the Board President, Student Board Members, and representatives from the Palos Verdes Faculty Association and CSEA Leadership. The Superintendent reported on faculty meetings, the development of a Profile of a Graduate, and budget study session preparations. Action items included expressing support for refunding General Obligation Bonds (Measures R & S), noting the successful elimination of waitlists and enrollment growth for the Kids' Corner program, and approving recommended changes to administrative regulations concerning alternative credits toward graduation and Advanced Placement coursework. The Board also presented several policies and regulations for a first reading, and the consent calendar included approvals for personnel assignments, agreements for special education services and the iReady platform, authorizations for multiple overnight robotics and tennis team field trips, approval of a contract with Pali Institute for outdoor education programs, approval of the January 2026 Purchase Order Report, facility project upgrades, ratification of an emergency plumbing expenditure, and approval for a four-year agreement for 5G Dedicated Internet Access. Finally, the Board approved revisions to numerous administrative regulations and policies regarding personnel and leaves.

The meeting included a closed session for discussions regarding labor negotiations, public employee discipline, and legal counsel conferences. During the open session, the agenda was approved. A highlight featured the Character Counts Assembly at Lunada Bay School. Public comments were taken on non-agenda items and agenda items. Key actions included the approval of the Regular Board of Education Meeting Minutes for December 10, 2025. Discussions covered the bond program update and project delivery methods, leading to a request for a comparative analysis of delivery methods. The Board approved revisions to several Bylaws and Administrative Regulations on their second reading, including those related to Board organization, meetings, minutes, and conduct. A first reading was conducted for numerous other policies and regulations concerning visitors, disruptions, employee technology use, and probationary status. The Board also discussed lighting solutions for athletic events, ultimately recommending the pursuit of temporary movable lighting as a more cost-effective alternative to permanent installations. The Consent Calendar involved approvals for personnel assignments, agreements for special education services, approval of numerous new high school courses (including APD, Math & English, VPA, and CTE), approval for piloting K-5 math textbooks, authorization for several out-of-state conferences, acceptance of grants, and approval of a workforce grant sub-agreement. Business services actions included approval of the December 2025 Purchase Order Report, authorization to dispose of surplus property, and approval of geotechnical services for two schools. The Superintendent provided updates on school visits, benchmark assessments, the shift to IXL, and clarified that there are no current plans for developing affordable employee housing on school campuses. The meeting concluded with reports and adjournment.

The meeting commenced with a Closed Session to discuss labor negotiations and public employee discipline, reconvening to Open Session subsequently. Key actions included the approval of the Regular Board of Education Meeting Agenda for January 28, 2026, and the recognition of Palos Verdes Peninsula Rotary Educator of the Year Honorees. The Board approved the agenda for the current meeting and approved the minutes from the January 14, 2026, meeting. Discussions and actions involved supporting 2026 PTA Advocacy Efforts, receiving a Bond Program Update requesting a Bond Study Workshop, adopting a resolution to negotiate an agreement for Miraleste Intermediate Swimming Pool Improvements, and approving change orders for the same project. Procedural adjustments were made to reorder agenda items concerning English Language Learners Program, Administrative Regulation revisions, and the proclamation of February 2026 as Career Technical Education Month. The Consent Calendar included approvals for Human Resources personnel actions, agreements for special education services, approval of 2024-25 School Accountability Report Cards (SARCs), updates to college access pathways agreements and high school course descriptions (including AP Physics and piloting AP Precalculus textbooks), approval of a new CTE course ('Restaurant 1'), and authorizations for staff to attend various conferences. Business Services actions included accepting gifts, approving monthly contract reports, approving December 2025 warrants, approving a budget revision related to gifts, awarding a service contract to Copia, approving a facilities project, and authorizing a consulting contract. The Board also approved several Board Policies and Administrative Regulations on the second reading, adopted a resolution for the Conflict of Interest Code, and extended memberships for the Operations Advisory Committee.

The Comprehensive School Safety Plan for Ridgecrest Intermediate School details a mandated framework to establish and maintain a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff. It encompasses critical procedures for child abuse reporting, emergency preparedness, student discipline, prevention of bullying and harassment, and tactical responses to various threats. The plan aims to create a physically and emotionally safe campus that supports student academic and social thriving, fostering strong connections within the school and community.