Jane Chen

The board meeting included a flag salute, a land acknowledgement, and a presentation by Orenda Education. The presentation featured a detailed analysis of the school district, covering student demographic data, language proficiency statistics, special education enrollment metrics, and an assessment of community vulnerability factors compared to academic achievement levels. The discussion focused on identifying areas for system refinement to improve student outcomes.

The board meeting included the approval of the meeting agenda and a motion to allow a member to participate remotely. The board discussed an appointment for an interim chief business official and received student reports covering school events, academic achievements, music performances, and sports team activities. Additionally, the superintendent's report recognized student participants in a future chef competition and celebrated Sunnyville Middle School for receiving a California Distinguished School honor. The board also received updates on the expansion of after-school programs, the implementation of an enrollment lottery, and the receipt of a grant to support the development of a STEM engineering lab at Columbia Middle School.

This document outlines the project approach, scope of work, and phasing for facility improvements at Cherry Chase, guided by a Facility Master Plan. Key focus areas include creating an impactful educational environment through building replacement, classroom modernization, and upgrades to restrooms, fire alarms, fencing, and playgrounds. The plan also emphasizes efficient project phasing, collaboration with educational partners, and transparent communication. A significant component involves developing outdoor learning environments, with examples and design considerations provided.

The Steering Committee Meeting #1 for the Cherry Chase Elementary School Modernization project commenced with introductions. Key discussions centered on the Master Plan Context, emphasizing equity of facilities and the scope defined by the $45.5 million budget approved by the Board, which aligns with the Facility Master Plan. The Project Scope includes building replacements (Buildings G and P), classroom modernization, upgrades to all-access and general restrooms, building envelope improvements, fire alarm modernization, perimeter fencing, and playground enhancements. A preliminary four-phase phasing strategy was presented to manage construction while maintaining instructional continuity, involving interim housing, classroom modernization sequences, and final building replacement. The project schedule anticipates submission to the Division of the State Architect by October 2026, with construction from Winter 2027 through Summer 2028. A significant portion of the discussion focused on designing Outdoor Learning Environments, where feedback stressed the need for adequate shade, functionality for small and medium groups, integrated storage (including outdoor sinks), reliable wireless connectivity, and the potential for incorporating sensory break areas and exploring Native American plant gardens. Storage requirements for Building G replacement and dedicated PE storage were also noted as operational considerations.

The regular board meeting commenced with translation service instructions and a note that the session was being recorded. Key discussions included the approval of the agenda and a recess into closed session. Upon returning, the board acknowledged ongoing anxiety related to intimidation tactics occurring nationally, reaffirming the district's commitment to maintaining safe and welcoming schools. The superintendent expressed appreciation for the school board, staff, and parents, and highlighted ongoing efforts in ELA pilot programs, multi-tier systems of support (MTSS), and building AI literacy across staff, parents, and students. Student representatives from Sunnyville Middle School (SMS) and Columbia Middle School (CMS) provided detailed reports on recent activities, including SMS's Winter Olympics competition, a student-initiated fundraiser raising $2,120 for Sunnyville Community Services, and CMS updates covering Valentine's Day events, sports seasons, and academic topics such as AVID essays on procrastination and mental health, Algebra 1 sequences and functions, and preparations for reading Frankenstein.