Cherina Betters

This case study examines Imperial County's experiences in implementing the California Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI). It highlights the county's efforts in fostering multisector collaboration and self-empowerment to address behavioral health needs for children, youth, and families. Key priorities include enhancing access to school-based and home-based services, mitigating workforce shortages, promoting social-emotional learning, and reducing stigma. The report emphasizes the county's success in developing 'home-grown' solutions and culturally relevant services to positively impact the behavioral health ecosystem at the outpatient level.

The meeting involved the call to order and confirmation of a quorum. Key discussions included receiving the San Bernardino County School Boards Association (SBCSBA) election results for SANDABS trustee representatives. The committee conducted its annual election of officers, confirming appointments for Co-Chair, Superintendent Co-Chair, Vice-Chair, and Superintendent Vice-Chair. Updates were provided on federal and state education legislation and budget proposals by Capitol Advisors Group, noting federal education funding increases and state budget allocations. The committee adopted positions on pending state and federal legislative proposals, including Assembly Bill 1590 and HR 2402. Additionally, the second draft of the 2026 SANDABS State and Federal Legislative Platforms was reviewed, and the 2026-27 Executive Committee meeting dates were approved.

This document outlines the San Bernardino County District Advocates for Better Schools (SANDABS) legislative platform for the 2026-27 legislative year. It aims to work with the California Legislature, Governor, and Department of Education to adopt public policy that supports the San Bernardino Countywide Vision for "cradle to career" success, emphasizing local control, health, and safety. The platform prioritizes five key areas: full and fair funding for pre-K through 12th grade, continued focus on special education programs, resources for student support, mental/behavioral health, and school safety, adequately maintained and modernized school facilities, and appropriately and consistently applied accountability for all schools.

The meeting commenced with the administration of the oath of office to newly and returning appointed members, specifically Delores Williams and Evelyn Dominguez. Following the call to order and roll call, the agenda was adopted. Key discussions involved the reorganization of County Committee Officers, resulting in the unanimous re-election of Kareem Gongora as Chair and the election of Evelyn Dominguez as Vice Chair following a roll call vote. The Acting Secretary concluded the formal proceedings by thanking the committee members for their service before the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting included reviewing public comments across three educational service centers, which yielded no input. The committee proceeded with the approval of the December 10, 2025, meeting minutes. The County Superintendent provided updates, including attendance at the Trona High School grand opening, a Foster Youth Holiday Event, the start of student events season, and an upcoming Budget Perspectives Workshop concerning the Governor's 2026-27 Proposed Budget. Outgoing Executive Committee members Israel Fuentes and Don English were recognized for their service. Legislative updates included a Washington D.C. report noting budget discussions regarding education funding cuts/increases and a Sacramento update detailing strong state revenue growth, a projected 2.41 percent Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and significant funding allocations for education and special education within the Governor's Proposed Budget. The committee also reviewed the first draft of the 2025 SANDABS State and Federal Legislative Platforms. Finally, elected officials' representatives provided brief updates on priorities like early childhood education and legislative packet releases.