Kandance Jenkins

The strategic plan for Empire Union Elementary School District focuses on several key goals. Goal 1 aims to close the achievement gap by improving student academic performance through a shared instructional framework. Goal 2 emphasizes student equity, ensuring all students have equal access to resources and are treated with respect. Goal 3 is dedicated to creating a positive and safe school environment. Goal 4 focuses on targeted professional development for staff to prepare students for college, career, and lifelong readiness. Goal 5 is an equity multiplier focus goal for Empire Elementary, aiming to improve ELA outcomes for English Learners, Hispanic, and Socioeconomically Disadvantaged students. The plan includes specific actions and metrics to measure progress toward these goals.

The strategic plan for Distrito Escolar de Primarias de la Unión de Empire focuses on several key areas, including improving academic performance, ensuring equity among students, fostering a positive school environment, providing targeted professional development, and supporting students with disabilities. The plan aims to enhance student achievement, close achievement gaps, and create a safe and healthy learning environment. The district's vision is to provide a rigorous academic education, a safe learning environment, and the necessary skills and attitudes for student success. Key strategies include implementing a blended learning approach, focusing on literacy, integrating technology, and utilizing data-driven decision-making.

The board meeting included recognition and awards for various achievements, including a generous book donation to Stroud Elementary School, celebrating a teacher's award, and acknowledging student achievements in science and employee milestones. Reports included a budget and Head Start program status update. Consent agenda items covered ratification of personnel actions, payroll and warrants, disposal of obsolete materials, approval of the Head Start eligibility policy, a social work practice agreement with California State University, Stanislaus, and approval of the Head Start self-assessment report and corrective action plan. Action items included resolutions to proclaim Teacher Appreciation Week and Classified Employee Appreciation Week, a public hearing on school facility fees, and approvals for various contracts including interior painting at Glick High School, cement polishing at Capistrano Elementary School, asphalt replacement at Capistrano Elementary School, and a Head Start childcare center license application. Additionally, the board considered a tentative agreement with the Empire Teachers Association and a declaration of need for highly qualified educators.

The board meeting covered several key actions, including the nomination and approval of officers for the board (President, Clerk, and Secretary). The board also approved meeting dates for 2024, authorized individuals to sign documents, and designated a board member as representative to the Stanislaus County Committee. Reports were given on attendance at school events. A closed session was held to discuss labor negotiations.

The board meeting included a closed session to discuss labor negotiations and employee discipline. Reports were given on the Back to School Night, the unaudited actual financial report for fiscal year 2022-2023, and summer programs. The superintendent provided information on the Head Start program and budget status. Public comments included concerns about an arbitrator. Several schools received recognition for donations received. Consent agenda items included personnel items, payroll, budget adoption, authorization for a bid process for construction projects, and extended learning opportunity program plans. Action items included conducting a public audit on textbook availability, adopting a resolution regarding sufficient textbooks, accepting the unaudited actual representation for 2023/2024, approving a leave of absence for a cafeteria manager, approving a memorandum of understanding with the San Joaquin County Office of Education, and approving a licensing agreement with the Central Region School Insurance Group.