Ehren Brackney

The board meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussion items included the approval of the open session agenda and public comments, although no action was taken on non-agenda items. Items of interest covered an extension approval for an audit from the State Controller's Office and a notification regarding a business name change for a school project. Presentations focused on bond oversight committee updates, detailing completed projects such as painting the school of arts, HVAC improvements, new signage, turf replacement, and epoxy flooring in bathrooms. The committee is focusing on two major projects: transforming Grand Oak School into a TK-4 facility with new classrooms, kitchen, and multi-purpose room (budgeted at $20 million, timeline August 2027), and converting Shasta Lake Middle School to a K-8 facility (budgeted at $17 million, timeline August 2027). Updates were also provided on a coat giveaway organized by the community connector, noting approximately 100 jackets were distributed to families in need. Athletic department updates highlighted the success of the girls' soccer team and upcoming parent events, including a family dance, junior high dance, and literacy night.

The meeting included an announcement of reportable action taken in closed session, specifically the approval of the release of a supervisory report. Public comment addressed significant concerns regarding student welfare, including instances of physical coercion, sexual harassment, teacher misconduct involving foul language and shaming students, and ongoing bullying and refusal of lunch on campus. Discussions also covered the mid-year monitoring report detailing progress toward strategic goals related to high-performing schools, college and career readiness (including growth in CAS scores, NWA scores, and A-G completion rates), special education support, and teacher collaboration funded via LCAP investments. Furthermore, the board reviewed financial expenditures related to LCAP allocations for English learners and students with disabilities, discussed lowering suspension rates through proactive discipline training, addressed chronic absenteeism, and reviewed budget status for facilities, technology, and equity multiplier funds. Finally, an update was given on financial audit findings, noting two procedural findings for which recommendations have been implemented.

The board meeting covered updates on student academic achievement, specifically CAASPP scores, noting a slight decrease in ELA but good growth in NWEA scores, alongside plans for academic intervention (RTI) and student experience activities such as Dr. Seuss night, Santa Shop, and participation in sports and music. Facility updates included excitement over campus modernization plans, featuring a new TK facility that impacts playground space and a proposed super slide, along with plans for accessibility. Reports were given by CSA regarding the executive board nominations and by administration concerning positive October activities, including trips and Thanksgiving dinner preparations for students. A significant discussion focused on the approval of a resolution to allow the district to use the lease-leaseback construction procurement method for future projects, which was noted as being faster than traditional design-build methods, although individual projects would still require subsequent board approval.

The meeting included initial proceedings such as the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions involved financial matters, including reviewing the budget, a significant deficit projected due to funding reconfiguration and upgrades at the new Riveridge campus, and analysis of revenue adjustments based on updated enrollment data (ADA) and supplemental concentration changes. Specific actions included discussion and approval related to contracts for buildings (moving portables between campuses) and technology, specifically a proposal for digital conversion of numerous years of records to mitigate safety risks and improve accessibility, with assurance of data protection and proper disposal protocols. Updates were provided on Career Technical Education, including grant success for welding room modernization and an outdoor pavilion project, as well as reports on student services, extracurricular activities like a winter performance and Santa Shop, and staff recognition for grant acquisition efforts.

The Gateway Unified School District's Strategic Plan aims to ignite curiosity and hope in every student through engaging educational experiences, fostering student agency, self-belief, and purpose to empower them to contribute positively to their communities. The plan is built upon five core priorities: Student Achievement, Student Experience, Collaborative Communication, Workforce Development, and Facilities Optimization. Through these pillars, the district seeks to inspire lifelong learning, resilience, and continuous improvement, ensuring a high-quality learning environment and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.