Dominic Bigue

The board conducted a retreat session focused on team building, the orientation of a new member, and a review of existing board protocols. The session included a personal presentation from a trustee regarding their background, disability, and commitment to accessibility, which served to foster understanding among board members. Additionally, the board discussed the handling of the consent agenda, specifically deciding to defer a contract change order related to a high school construction project to a future meeting.

The board discussed a settlement case, adopted the agenda, and received reports from the Superintendent, the district teachers association, and student board representatives. Topics included a peaceful student walkout, upcoming observances for Black History Month, Ramadan, and Lunar New Year, National School Counseling Week, parking and facility concerns related to ongoing construction, and union-related updates including career and technical education initiatives and legal developments in education equity.

This document is a transcript from a Back to School Educator Event, outlining the SMUHSD's vision and goals for the upcoming year. Key themes include fostering a 'both/and' mindset over 'either/or' to promote unity and understanding, and emphasizing mutual responsibility between the community and individuals, symbolized by '1061' (10 schools, 6 cities, 1 individual). The equity vision focuses on ensuring students learn in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment, valuing their uniqueness, and actively removing biases and barriers. A core principle highlighted is that 'learning begins with belonging,' urging educators to be trusted adults for students. The event also stresses 'leading with love' as essential for transformational change and ensuring student success throughout the district.

The Board meeting included a report of actions taken in closed session regarding a special education settlement. The meeting featured recognitions of the Aragon High School girls' volleyball team as CCS champions and the San Mateo High School flag football team for their successful inaugural season. Additionally, the Board engaged in a 'one-word activity' to reflect on organizational priorities for the upcoming calendar year, sharing themes such as building, focus, accountability, action, and understanding.

The board meeting focused on several key items, including a moment of silence for a deceased student, reports on closed session actions regarding student expulsion cases, and an update from the superintendent concerning a new district-wide mobile communication device policy in response to state legislation. Additionally, union representatives presented reports regarding retiree recognition, teacher evaluation systems, and safety concerns related to a recent lockdown incident. Updates were also provided on upcoming sports events and the outcome of a recent WASC review.