Jessica Ghobrial

The meeting included an initial closed session where information was received and direction was given to staff, followed by the open session. Key discussions in the open session covered announcements from the Valley Student Council regarding activities such as Idea Lab projects, 3D printing, JavaScript animation, public speaking, personal finance presentations, Spanish novel reading, yearbook progress, art projects, and the launch of the student store. The student council also reported on a community service project pitch event in partnership with NFL kicker Cameron Dicker. Following student reports, the board received a presentation on the 2024-2025 district financial audit report and the Measure S general obligations bonds financial audit report, which included an unmodified opinion on financial statements and state compliance, with one finding regarding home-to-school transportation reimbursement reporting. Performance audits for Prop 51 funded projects, specifically the Vista project (which had no issues) and the View project (which had one ineligible expenditure identified), were also reviewed. Finally, the committee presented its ninth annual report, noting that the staff and consultants were in compliance with state code requirements regarding Measure S expenditures.

The meeting commenced with roll call and an adjournment to a closed session, followed by reconvening after reporting no items from closed session. The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance. Key segments included student announcements from the Hermosa Valley Student Council regarding finance class guest speakers, stock investing, public speaking progress, and STEM aid engineering projects. Sports tryouts and strength/conditioning progress were also reported. The Hermosa Vista School presented updates on the Wit and Wisdom curriculum, focusing on building knowledge through literature and art analysis, with second-grade students presenting observations on artwork and third graders discussing reading complex texts about Jacques Cousteau. Board members also shared reports from the CSBA conference, noting sessions on AI and the receipt of the Golden Bell Award for the ebike safety program.

The session involved both closed and open portions. In the closed session, the board approved a resignation agreement with a certificated employee, detailing terms including resignation, release of claims, and severance payment, which was approved unanimously by roll call vote. The open session included announcements from the school council regarding leadership class focus on communication skills and the success of the student store. Updates were provided on various arts programs (ceramics, clay masks, rattles) and student council activities. Academic updates covered yearbook progress, speech and debate preparation, PLTW measurement activities, STEM 7 board game unit completion, and STEM 8 video game presentations. Other highlights included the annual book fair and the Great Kindness Challenge initiative. The board reviewed the midyear Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) progress for Year Two of the three-year plan, focusing on alignment with the strategic plan and progress toward goals in Inclusion, Excellence (academic achievement, STEM/robotics), and Community. Budget overview data was presented for Goals 1, 2, and 3, noting expenditures and implemented actions. Specific discussions focused on discontinuing the social media consultant and reading intervention coach roles due to existing internal resources, updating the data tracking system terminology in PowerSchool, and reviewing chronic absenteeism data for TK through 8th grade.

This document provides an overview of the Hermosa Beach City School District and Hermosa Valley School, outlining its mission to prepare students to thrive through relevant education, a safe and healthy environment, and an inclusive culture. Key strategic areas include fostering a learner profile emphasizing resilience, critical thinking, and empathy; enhancing facilities with focuses on science modernization, energy efficiency, campus safety, and athletic facilities; and delivering a comprehensive curriculum across core subjects. The plan also prioritizes student wellness, real-world project-based learning, and aims to develop well-rounded students ready for future opportunities within the 2026-2027 school year.

The meeting agenda focused on establishing goals for 2025-26, which include revising and educating the HBCSD community on the Wellness Plan. Discussion items included wellness updates such as staff wellness, morning exercises, increased counseling support, and parent education on cybersafety and technology wellness. A policy update regarding Assembly Bill 10 (Body Shaming Model Policy & Resources) requires the development of a model policy and identification of applicable resources. The group proceeded to assign sections of the current HBCSD Wellness Plan to committee members for review and revision, covering topics like Nutrition Services, Physical Education, Staff Wellness, and the creation of new sections for Behavior/PBIS, Social/Emotional Development, and Career Readiness/Academic Piece. Collaboration on vision statements and updating the current wellness page were also noted.