Julie Berk

The meeting agenda included a department presentation on the Early Childhood Education Program and a presentation on Cyberbullying. Action items involved routine matters such as the authorization of credential registrations and temporary county certificates. Old business included the second reading and approval of Board Policy 5132 (Dress and Grooming) and Policy/Regulation 5145.7 (Sexual Harassment). New business focused heavily on multiple public hearings regarding initial negotiations proposals with the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapters 428 and 899 for the 2025-2026 period, and public hearings/adoption related to the 2025-2026 Annual Service Plan and Budget Plan for the Tulare County/District SELPA. Other new business items included the presentation of the Williams/Valenzuela Uniform Complaint Report and public hearings/budget proposal reviews for the 2025-2026 Proposed Budget for TCOE.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance. Routine matters included the authorization of credentials and temporary county certificates, and countywide emergency permit applications. New business featured the first reading of updated Board Policy 5132 regarding Dress and Grooming, and Board Policy and Administrative Regulation 5145.7 concerning Sexual Harassment, both actions deferred to a later date. The Board approved Resolution 24/25-30 designating the Superintendent as the agent with CalOES for flood damage repair funding. The Board also set the public hearing dates for the 2025-2026 TCOE Budget and the Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) for the May 14, 2025 meeting. Information items included a SCICON report detailing program activities and upcoming events, as well as updates from the Superintendent on various district awards, recent events, and administrative matters concerning funding, staff layoff notices, and the Head Start program.

The meeting agenda included several action items such as the authorization of countywide registration of credentials, temporary county certificates, and emergency permit applications. New business encompassed the presentation of the 2024-2025 TCOE Annual Report, consideration of a resolution regarding the County Superintendent's compensation, approval of the 2024-2025 Forest Reserve Apportionment, and review of the 2024-2025 Unaudited Actuals Financial Report. Furthermore, the board addressed budget revisions through June 30, 2025, and the establishment of an asset capitalization threshold. A Public Hearing and subsequent resolution concerning the determination of sufficient textbooks or instructional materials for the 2025-2026 school year were also scheduled.

Key discussions included a presentation on the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Program, detailing its budget of $88.4 million for 2025-2026, its service to 419 positions, and the operation of 19 preschools, including a new one in partnership with Woodville Union School District. A presentation on cyberbullying was given by high school students focusing on emotional distress and digital citizenship for sixth-graders. Routine matters involved the approval of several board policies, specifically Policy 5132 (Dress and Grooming) and Policy and Administrative Regulation 5145.7 (Sexual Harassment). New business featured the Williams/Valenzuela Uniform Complaint Report for the first quarter of 2025, which reported no complaints. The Board held several public hearings regarding the Initial Negotiations Proposals with CSEA Chapters 428 and 899 for 2025-2026. Furthermore, a public hearing and subsequent adoption occurred for the 2025-2026 Annual Service Plan and Annual Budget Plan for the Tulare County/District SELPA. Public hearings were also conducted for the Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAP) for the Tulare County Office of Education, Special Services, University Preparatory High School (UPHS), and La Sierra Military Academy. A presentation on the 2025-2026 Proposed Budget for TCOE was reviewed, followed by a public hearing on the same proposal, with adoption scheduled for the next meeting. Information items included updates on various recent student and staff awards, and a report on educator workforce housing initiatives.

The meeting commenced with a retirement recognition ceremony honoring 38 retirees. Key action items included the presentation of the 2025 Poetry & Prose Student Performances, featuring student recitations, and a presentation on the Migrant Education Program’s recent trip to Washington, D.C., detailing civic education activities and student experiences. The routine matters involved the approval of several items via Consent Calendar, such as the authorization of credential registrations and the acceptance of donations from Rick's Vending and Distributing for AcCEL programs. New business heavily focused on financial and planning documents, including the approval of new materials for the ERS Library, public hearings for initial negotiation proposals for the Teachers' Association and TCOETA for the 2025-2026 school year, and the approval of Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) for Special Services, La Sierra Military Academy, and University Preparatory High School. Presentations were also given regarding LCAP performance indicators for Special Education and La Sierra Military Academy, the School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSA) for Special Education and Court and Community Schools, and the expenditure plans for the Prop 28 Arts and Music School Act for La Sierra Military Academy, University Preparatory High School, and Special Education. Further approvals covered school calendars, the Consolidated Application for Federal Funding for 2025-2026, a resolution designating an agent for Cal OES disaster relief funds, a resolution for Education Protection Account (EPA) fund spending determinations, resolutions authorizing temporary loans to school districts, and the authorization to sell surplus property. The Board also adopted the 2025-2026 Tulare County Office of Education Budget and approved the cancellation of the July 2, 2025, board meeting. Information items included correspondence and staff reports, noting a student's success in a national spelling bee.