Kareen Baca

The meeting provided updates on several strategic initiatives focusing on student support and school culture. Discussions covered the benefits of co-teaching classrooms, including reduced student stigma and increased teacher experimentation with assessments aligned with UDL principles. The Response to Intervention (RTI) team reviewed data for ninth and tenth graders, identifying patterns and triaging student needs based on academic performance, attendance, and behavior indicators. Efforts to strengthen collaboration between case managers and general education teachers were discussed. Significant time was dedicated to the 'Distraction-Free Learning Initiative,' which prohibits personal cell phone use in favor of district-provided Chromebooks. The implementation involved staff consensus, parent meetings, and addressing concerns about school safety by installing unlocking bases for phone pouches, and mitigating technological issues with Chromebooks. Furthermore, updates were provided on building campus connections through the Link Crew program, including the successful launch of a Freshman Field Day, and initiatives to address lower reported levels of connection and belonging among Hispanic and Latino students via student and staff E teams focusing on issues like hate speech and microaggressions.

The meeting began with the call to order and roll call. Key discussion centered around student recognitions and commendations, particularly honoring a student for exceptional dedication, academic excellence in advanced placement courses, passion for science, community involvement including leading the badminton club and serving as co-president of the future medical professionals club, and significant volunteer hours. Student trustees from Oceanana and Westmore provided updates on various campus activities such as clothing drives, upcoming rallies, Valentine Grams with serenades, class competitions, health fairs, and sports conditioning for the spring season. Reports also covered the annual TEDex event, a debate competition, and senior class activities like hoodie voting and food sales.

The meeting included recognition for the success of two district football programs: the Tanova varsity football team, whose coach was named PAL Coach of the Year, and the Jefferson High School varsity football team, PAL Lake Division champions, who achieved the first playoff game in 14-15 years. Student representatives provided updates covering activities at Westmore, Jefferson High School, and Oceanana. Westmore highlights included FTC robotics awards, FBA regional placement, and a TEDex event. Jefferson High School updates mentioned a LARISSA music video, Mission Fusion Luna performances, robotics success, and course selection processes. Oceanana reported on robotics awards, a Chipotle fundraiser, senior trip planning, Spring Fling, a senior panorama photo, and Valentine's Grams distribution via singing. Other discussions noted progress reports at Thoran and a site meeting at Oceanana, as well as the groundbreaking for a new gymnasium and pool at Jefferson High School.

The meeting commenced with discussions regarding agenda amendments, including confirming the effective date of a trustee's resignation (January 12th) and corrections to the 2425 audit report, specifically updating trustee names and a district lease end date. Key discussion points included student trustee reports from various schools (Oceanana, Jefferson, Teranova) detailing recent and upcoming activities such as fundraisers, volunteer events, leadership fairs, club rushes, and rallies. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the provisional appointment process for the vacant trustee position following Trustee Cho's resignation. The board established a timeline for advertising the vacancy, accepting applications by February 13th, conducting interviews on March 7th, and making the provisional appointment that evening. Board members volunteered to meet with prospective candidates.

The meeting commenced with closing a public hearing and approving the Summit Chassa charter renewal petition. Board members provided reports following their attendance at the California School Boards Association (CSBA) annual conference, discussing key takeaways such as the use of AI, gubernatorial candidate positions, and policy language review, specifically concerning the word 'discipline'. A profound tragedy involving the loss of a student was acknowledged, leading to a moment of silence and expressions of support for students and staff, including wellness counselors. One trustee formally announced their resignation from the board due to moving out of the district, reflecting on accomplishments like balancing the budget into a surplus and advocating for equity. The board also directed staff to begin the process of appointing a provisional replacement for the departing trustee. Other discussions included gratitude for staff efforts during the holidays, recognition of school programs like the Adult Transition Program culminating exhibition and ethnic studies work, and updates from the Educational Housing Corporation board meeting.