Jay Berns

The Board of Education meeting included reports from the California School Employees Association (CSEA) and the Washington Unified Teachers Association (WSTA). Key discussions focused on salary and benefit negotiations, the impact of budget reductions on classified positions, and the elimination of mental health social worker roles. There was an emphasis on the need for timely payroll processing and improved budget analysis to prioritize funding for students and staff. Additionally, the Board reviewed various outside contracts and discussed the importance of long-term financial planning for the district.

The meeting featured an indigenous land acknowledgement, a report on student activities including participation in the Black College Expo and Black Student Union accomplishments, and a student board member report highlighting student successes, feedback on school lunches and study spaces, the upcoming Kindness Week, and priorities identified by the Superintendent Advisory Council such as staff engagement and mental health access.

The board meeting included a land acknowledgment and the pledge of allegiance. Items discussed from the closed session included labor negotiations with WSTA, CSEA, and management, as well as real property negotiations for sites on Stone Boulevard and Todd Hunter Avenue (Breit Park), and significant exposure to litigation. Reports were provided regarding school kindness initiatives, student board representative updates, and employee excellence awards. Discussions also covered budget projections, LCAP revisions, and safety concerns following a lockdown event. The board addressed the need for higher-level thinking in district decisions, the importance of investing in educators, and the management of facility and supply needs.

The board meeting featured a public comment session regarding property claims. The board conducted a land acknowledgement and the pledge of allegiance, followed by roll call and announcements of actions taken during a closed session, which included real property negotiations, pending litigation, labor negotiations, and student discipline cases. The board approved the agenda and recognized the Washington Middle College High School for their awards in a local favorites contest. Additionally, the board recognized the Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day and presented the inaugural Washington Unified School District Ruby Bridges Award to a local dance teacher for her significant contributions to the student body and her commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment.

The committee reviewed Measure Z expenditure reports, specifically examining project categories like site support, planning, and construction. Key discussions focused on project updates for the Elkhorn Village Modernization and the Performing Arts center project. Financial oversight included a review of bond authorization, project commitments, encumbrances, and expenditure summaries from the project inception through February 28, 2026.