Brenda Barbera

The board approved an independent service contract with Nichols Strategies, LLC to enhance parent and family engagement within the district. The scope of work includes an analysis of communication documentation, a website and newsletter audit, professional development for district administrators, and the creation of an action plan for improving educational partner engagement. The contract is funded through LCFF parent/family engagement resources with a fiscal impact of $35,360.

The committee presented and received approval for the selection of new History-Social Science instructional materials for middle school students. The process involved a multi-month review, community feedback collection, and pilot programs of materials from multiple vendors. The approved recommendation entails an eight-year contract with McGraw-Hill for classroom materials, including support for the Dual Language program, professional development, and resources for bilingual students, with a total fiscal impact not to exceed $1,374,000.

The board reviewed and approved the two-year renewal of Apex (Edmentum) digital licensing. This software is used to provide digital learning resources, supplement classroom instruction, and support credit recovery courses for middle and high school students. The curriculum is aligned with California state standards and provides accessibility features for students with unique needs and English language learners. The renewal includes professional development for teachers on blended learning techniques and best practices for student orientation.

The committee convened a hearing to determine whether to recommend to the school board that Roofing and Solar Construction Incorporated be rejected as a non-responsible bidder for a roofing project. The district presented evidence regarding the failure of the bidder to provide a mandatory manufacturer contractor authorization certificate from the designated roofing system provider. The bidder's legal representative argued that the requirement was a violation of public contract code, asserting that the district was improperly delegating authority to a private manufacturer and that the bidder had previously successfully performed similar work for the district.

The public comments centered on several urgent district concerns. Key topics included requests for an independent audit and improved administrative oversight at Mt Diablo High School due to alleged hiring practices, attendance recording issues, and communication gaps. Parents also strongly advocated for the preservation of the Two-Way Dual Immersion program at Bancroft Elementary, arguing against the program's phase-out and citing negative impacts on student enrollment and community trust. Additional discussions covered the need for greater transparency in facility projects, such as the Holbrook roof replacement, and a call for a shift toward neuro-inclusive practices in special education using the Social Model of Disability.