Ji Kim Wang

The Upland Unified School District's "Great 8" strategic plan aims to transform educational challenges into opportunities by engaging the entire community. It outlines a proactive strategy focused on expanding specialized opportunities for students, including initiatives such as expanded career technical education, dual language programs, STEM, a sports academy, and a teacher pathway. The plan also involves significant restructuring of schools, such as converting Upland Elementary into a TK-3 early learning campus with a Pathways Prep Academy, and Upland Junior High into a 4th-8th grade intermediate arts academy. This comprehensive strategy is designed to build up and strengthen the K-12 system, ensuring every student has access to enhanced possibilities.

The board discussed several items during the meeting, including student services and discipline matters, and approved settlements and expulsions. Presentations were given regarding Valencia Elementary School highlights, Hispanic Heritage Month projects, the Upland High School Sports Complex, and adult education programs. The board also reviewed and approved various consent calendar items, including personnel recommendations, job descriptions, and agreements with community partners. Additionally, a public hearing was held regarding the sufficiency of instructional materials, and the board took action to approve an amendment to an employment agreement and a revision to a board policy.

This Home to School Transportation Plan for Upland Unified School District outlines the transportation services provided to students, prioritizing transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, grades 1-6, low-income pupils, pupils with disabilities, and homeless children and youth, all offered at no cost. The plan details the allocation of reimbursement funds for contracted busing, salaries, benefits, fuel, and maintenance, while addressing operational challenges such as driver vacancies. It emphasizes extensive engagement with educational partners, including parents, staff, and community members, through surveys and consultations with agencies like Omnitrans and the South Coast AQMD, to inform service provision, optimize routes, and comply with environmental regulations.

This Comprehensive School Safety Plan for Valencia Elementary provides a roadmap for the 2025-2026 school year, based on a systematic review of crime and safety data. It establishes two data-driven safety goals: to sustain a campus-wide sense of safety through defined emergency plans, staff training, visitor procedure fidelity checks, perimeter security, and anti-bullying education; and to update physical resources for enhanced campus security, effective surveillance systems, and clear emergency communication.

The board received a presentation on the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) focusing on student support models, professional team efforts, and dual enrollment initiatives. Discussions included potential opportunities for district students through partnerships with Cal State San Bernardino and considerations regarding school safety readiness. During the closed session, the board addressed personnel matters, including the appointment of a new principal, as well as labor negotiations and legal matters related to anticipated litigation. Upon reconvening in open session, the board officially approved the appointment of the principal for Pathways Preparatory Academy and voted to reject a demand for Cure and Correct.