Elizabeth Bermejo

The meeting covered several operational components including the DAC Norms, procedures for addressing the committee, and instructions for Zoom participants. Key discussion topics centered on the Local Control & Accountability Plan (LCAP), including the annual timeline for development, funding overviews (Title 1, LCFF, Proposition 28), and aligning the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA) with the LCAP. Specific attention was given to reviewing LCAP input from various groups regarding Goal 1 (Basic Services), Goal 2 (Student Achievement), and Goal 3 (Parent Involvement). Furthermore, the committee discussed the State of the Arts in HLPUSD, detailing funding sources such as Proposition 28 and AB181, and new opportunities including auditions and rehearsal schedules for arts programs. The process for Comprehensive Needs Assessment and its relationship to the SPSA cycle was also reviewed.

The meeting commenced with a land acknowledgment, followed by the approval of the agenda and the minutes from November 18, 2025. Key discussion topics focused on the district's results from the 2025 California School Dashboard, including performance data for English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics across various student groups, noting specific concerns regarding students in temporary housing and chronic absenteeism (K-8 data). The definition of socioeconomic disadvantage (SED) for dashboard reporting was clarified. District performance regarding graduation rates (below state average) and suspension rates (near state average) was reviewed, noting the alignment between dashboard results and Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) decisions. Detailed updates were provided on the allocation and purpose of Federal Funding received under Title I, II, III, and IV for the 2025-26 school year. Members then participated in group activities to provide input on LCAP priorities. Public comments included a successful motion to add the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance to future DAC meetings, along with updates from various schools regarding academic achievements, AVID program strategies, CTE Public Safety program details, parental workshops, and community support efforts, such as food pantries and academic recognition dinners.

Key discussion topics included a review of meeting protocols by the interim executive director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessments. The District Message covered the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) calendar and an overview of the Local Control Accountability Plan, noting the recent release of California Dashboard results and providing initial details regarding Title I, Part A Consolidated Application. The committee reviewed and provided comments on written notifications to parents/guardians, specifically the initial notification letter for the ELPAC assessment, the Initial Parent Notification (Title I or Title III federal and state requirements), and the Annual Parent Notification. Furthermore, the process and criteria for student reclassification were reviewed in detail, covering the four required components including English Language Proficiency assessment, teacher evaluation, parent input/consultation, and basic skills performance comparison. There was also a presentation on technological tools available to students, such as Classlink, Sora, Reading Coach, and Google Read Along. School reports detailed various events and initiatives, including CPR classes, college access planning, winter presentations, school fundraising success, after-school programs, and community outreach efforts.

The meeting was adjourned due to a lack of quorum, preventing the formal approval of the agenda and the minutes from the October 15, 2025 meeting. Public comments focused on several critical areas, including the need for a comprehensive strategy to review the local plan, concerns about student safety and elopement protocols requiring adequate fencing, and inquiries regarding district procedures for responding to and communicating about physical incidents involving students. A special presentation was provided by the Department of Rehabilitation regarding services for students aged 16-21 transitioning out of high school, detailing career counseling, the WorkAbility partnership, and workplace readiness training.

The meeting commenced with a Land Acknowledgement and review of meeting protocols. Key discussions centered on the 2025 California Dashboard District Results, including detailed breakdowns of English Language Arts (ELA) and Math performance across various student groups, noting particular concerns for Foster Youth. Chronic Absenteeism data for K-8 students was presented, leading to suggestions for clearer communication with families regarding absence definitions. The committee also reviewed English Learners (ELs) progress, socioeconomically disadvantaged student criteria, graduation rates, and suspension rates. An overview of Federal Funding (Title I-IV) allocations and purposes was provided. DAC members then provided input for the Local Control & Accountability Plan (LCAP) priorities through small group activities. Public comments included a request to reinstate the flag salute, reports on school activities such as mental health workshops, AVID program promotion, CTE Pathway spotlight on Public Safety, and various fundraising and community events.