Karen Allard

The meeting included a recess to closed session to discuss public employee discipline dismissal release complaint conference with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation, labor negotiators, and public employment appointment. Upon returning from closed session, the board unanimously approved the non-re-election of three probationary certificated employees for the 2627 school year. A settlement agreement for employee number 2617 was approved by a 5-0 vote, and Jose Salis was unanimously appointed as the new operations manager. The board also unanimously rejected a government claim. Key discussions involved an update on the emergency resolution for controller installation, noting that thermostats and signal repeaters are installed, and the remaining repairs would be bid competitively. Concerns were raised regarding invoices from CoolTech being potentially miscategorized under HVAC work related to the emergency resolution. The board voted 5-0, with one abstention, to continue the emergency resolution for procurement and construction services. The student report highlighted activities for Women's Empowerment Month and Multicultural Week, opening applications for Link Crew, and an upcoming Civics contest. Seniors were noted to have an opportunity to attend Larasa Day at Aloney College. The Newark Teachers Association representative expressed concerns over recent executive cabinet proposals, citing negative impacts on student achievement and demanding realistic solutions. Specific criticisms were aimed at management prioritizing metrics over student needs and the policy regarding alternative credits toward graduation, which was described as raising equity issues and potentially dismantling community culture at Newark Memorial High School. Gold Star awards were presented to recognize alleged failures in ensuring equal access to special education services and for the language in the alternative credits policy. Another Gold Star Award was presented to an individual for attempting to cancel the sixth-grade flex intervention/enrichment period, which was deemed detrimental to student cohorts and LCAP goals.

The meeting commenced with a closed session discussing public employee discipline, anticipated litigation (two cases), labor negotiations with CSEA and NTA, and a public employee appointment for the position of Operations Supervisor. Actions taken in closed session included the non-re-election of three probationary certificated employees for the 2026-27 school year, approval of a settlement agreement for $68,157.05 with an employee, approval of the appointment of Jose Salas as MOT Operations Supervisor, and rejection of a government claims act claim. During the open session, the agenda was approved. Key new business items involved continuing a resolution related to emergency abatement and repair contracting with Veregy, LLC, certifying the 2025-2026 Second Interim Budget Report with a POSITIVE certification, adopting a resolution for the Committed Fund Balance for 2025-26, approving participation in the Alameda County Operational Area Emergency Management Organization, determining tie-breaking criteria for certificated layoffs, approving layoffs/reductions for certificated and classified employees for 2026-2027, and approving initial bargaining proposals for the 2025-2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement with NTA. The board also approved the Five Star Attendance System for Newark Memorial High School Tutorial Period, ratified personnel actions, ratified contracts totaling $35,700, approved MOUs concerning the Behavioral Health Bridge Grant with Alameda County Office of Education and agreements with West Ed and Bay Area Community Health (BACH), and updated several Board Policies and Administrative Regulations concerning social media, design-build contracts, and student records/directory information, while rescinding a policy on immigration enforcement response. The minutes of the February 17, 2026, and February 21, 2026 meetings were approved. A non-curricular field trip for Kennedy Elementary was also approved.

The meeting addressed the consideration of appointing a Student Board Member to the Liaison Committee, where discussion ensued regarding extending the opportunity beyond the initially declined Student Board Member to other student leaders, such as the Associated Student Body president. Key new business items included an update on the School Resource Officer Program, where it was suggested the report be shared with the School Board and a parent group. Discussions also covered the Newark Unified School District's 7/11 plan for district properties, emphasizing the need for strategic review, community input, and defined parameters before committee formation. Furthermore, updates were provided on the development of an internal hybrid After School Program focusing on arts, STEAM, and technology, targeting the 26/27 school year, with emphasis placed on continued coordination between the City and the School District.

The meeting included procedural items such as roll call, meeting practices information, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Board approved the agenda for the meeting. A significant portion of the meeting involved a closed session discussion concerning public employee appointment and discussion related to the Superintendent position. No report was provided from the closed session.

The meeting began with a recess into closed session for discussions regarding public employee dismissal/release complaint conference with legal counsel about anticipated litigation, and a conference with labor count negotiators (CSCA and NTA). Upon returning, the board confirmed no actions were taken in closed session and proceeded with the Pledge of Allegiance and review of meeting guidelines, which emphasize student interests and constructive debate. Key discussion points focused on an emergency resolution update, where 99 units had been installed at Newark Memorial High School under resolution 2024.25.09, which was subsequently continued by the board. The student board member provided updates on scholarship opportunities, SAT testing, student activities including a jazz event and fundraiser, and athletic achievements, noting the girls' and boys' soccer teams were Mission Valley Athletic League champions. Public comment included concerns from the New York Teachers Association (NTA) regarding a fiscal resources alignment plan and proposed terminations of certificated employees due to service reductions, questioning the data and impact, especially on special education and elective offerings. The CSEA representative also voiced concerns over position reductions, lack of clear financial context, insufficient stakeholder engagement, and the potential negative impact on classified staff workloads and student services across various departments, referencing prior discrepancies in position identification and management's perception of employee activity.