Janna Conner

The special Board meeting included an award of contract for the South Pasadena Middle School Auditorium Exterior Patch and Paint Repair Project. Also, an overnight trip to Riverside, California was approved.

The Board held a regular meeting that included a closed session to discuss existing and anticipated litigation, a student matter regarding expulsion, and negotiations with the Teachers Association of South Pasadena. During the open session, the Board approved settlement agreements for multiple students and accepted the terms of a stipulated expulsion agreement for a student. Presentations were given on the 2025-2026 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) and the Adopted Budget, followed by public hearings. The Board also discussed Board Policy 5131.8 regarding mobile communication devices, with plans to revisit it as an action item at the next meeting. Additionally, the board approved a reading difficulties screener, awarded a contract for campus painting at Marengo Elementary School, and addressed the use of Education Protection Funds for 2025-26, along with new and revised board policies and supplemental agreements.

The Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for South Pasadena Unified School District focuses on enabling greater achievement for all students, offering state-of-the-art curriculum and instruction, providing parent engagement opportunities, and providing facilities that support educational excellence. Key priorities include addressing achievement gaps, enhancing support for English learners, and improving student's social-emotional health and wellbeing. The plan also emphasizes the importance of parent involvement and communication, as well as maintaining safe and modern learning environments.

The Special Board Meeting included an opening, roll call, and an opportunity for public comment on closed session items, followed by adjournment to a closed session. During the closed session, discussions were held regarding negotiations with the California School Employees Association (CSEA) and the Teachers' Association of South Pasadena (TASP), as well as a conference with a real property negotiator concerning property located at 1020 El Centro St., South Pasadena. The meeting reconvened to open session, where it was reported that no action was taken during the closed session, and then the meeting adjourned.

The special virtual Board meeting included a roll call and public comment. The main focus was a Board Governance workshop led by L. Rivera, a CSBA Consultant. The workshop covered topics related to Board Governance.