Carla Surber

The board meeting included discussions on several topics, such as public comments regarding music and arts programming and concerns about student screen time. The trustees assigned members to present certificates and diplomas at upcoming promotion and graduation ceremonies. A report from the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee was presented, covering past expenditures and upcoming projects like kitchen modernization and generator installations. The board also reviewed correspondence from the Napa County Office of Education regarding the district's second interim report and received updates from student representatives from the junior high and high school regarding student activities and school culture.

The board meeting focused primarily on the recognition of exemplary staff members across various categories, including special education, teaching, clerical and administrative services, and technical services. Key discussion points included appreciation for the dedicated contributions of staff to student success, school community building, and operational efficiency. Additionally, an employee provided recommendations regarding high school campus policies, specifically proposing a cell phone ban and the implementation of a closed campus to enhance community engagement.

The board meeting featured a literacy presentation concerning primary grade instruction, the implementation of reading curricula, and data from reading difficulty screeners. The Palisades program was reviewed, highlighting student progress, achievements in social-emotional learning, and various extracurricular activities. Additionally, student representatives from the junior high provided a school update. Teacher and principal reports included plans for upcoming school board candidate endorsements, the invitation of board members to conversational meetings, and school updates from the elementary school principal regarding math and literacy coaching, tutoring programs, and dual language immersion meetings.

The meeting began with a notification that a recording was being made and instructions for accessing Spanish interpretation. Actions taken in closed session included the vote to release and reassign a certificated administrator for the 2026-2027 school year, and the decision not to reelect certain probationary certificated employees for the same year. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance and heard the district mission statement. Public comment included a parent expressing disappointment over an experience at Kalistoga Elementary School, leading to homeschooling their child, and concerns about the handling of the child's belongings upon departure. A midyear Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) report was presented, detailing progress on four goals: academic achievement, safe and healthy environment, parent engagement/communication, and specific focus on Palisades attendance/connection. Financial updates noted that budget expenditures were ahead of schedule for three out of four goals. The board also received confirmation that the first interim financial report was approved by the County Office of Education, and that the 2024-2025 audit report had no findings. Reports covered student representative activities, including Valentine spirit week, receipt of the bilingual literacy medal, winter sports recognition, and plans for student engagement activities like weekly sports, a student gear shack, and a movie/field day. Reports from the Kalisoga Elementary and Junior Senior High School principals detailed LCAP goal progress, including math discourse presentation, MAP testing, reading difficulty screener results, participation in the Great Kindness Challenge, playground equipment installation, and preparations for testing and course selection.

The meeting commenced with roll call and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the reading of the district mission statement. Key discussions included public comments regarding the senior night basketball event on February 10th, which also featured a presentation for a student reaching the 1,000-point club and a halftime performance by young children. Major agenda items involved an information and discussion session on the CJUSD facilities master plan update, which was last completed around 2020, followed by the first reading of updates to board policies and administrative regulations (Bylaws 114, 9100, 9323, and 9140) concerning district-sponsored social media, board organization, meeting conduct, and board representatives. Finally, the board received a report and recommendations from the 7-Eleven committee regarding surplus property advisory, specifically focusing on the Gallas property, which the committee unanimously recommended be declared surplus due to declining enrollment projections and existing district capacity surplus.