Karen Ambriz

The Board discussed the rescission of a previously adopted resolution recognizing Cesar Chavez Day and considered the adoption of a new resolution establishing a District Day of Service. The goal of this proposed change is to shift the focus from an individual recognition to a broader, values-based approach centered on civic engagement, leadership, and community service.

Key discussions and potential actions for this meeting included closed session items regarding a Public Employee Performance Evaluation for the Superintendent, negotiations concerning the Winton Parkway Extension property with the City of Livingston, and labor negotiations with LETA and CSEA chapters. In open session, the Board was scheduled to receive the Superintendent's Reports and Updates, and a presentation on a UCLA Case Study regarding the leveraging of LCFF Funding for School Counseling. The Consent Agenda covered routine administrative functions, including personnel items, approval of previous minutes (specifically February 10, 2026), purchase orders, gifts/grants, designation of Child Development Center Site Supervisors, and the deletion of an outdated Board Policy on Response to Immigration Enforcement. New Business included an overview of Parent Engagement opportunities, presentation and potential approval of the Second Interim Financial Report with a Positive Certification, seeking approval for the 2026 Summer Learning plan, adopting resolutions related to declaring property (APN 022-010-007) as surplus land for sale to the City of Livingston and granting a utility easement to PG&E, public comment periods on initial contract proposals for 2026-2027 negotiations with LETA, adoption of a resolution honoring César Chávez Day, and taking action on revisions to the Student Records Board Policy.

This document is a case study detailing how Livingston USD strategically implemented and expanded school counseling services to become a cornerstone of student support. Faced with challenges such as low graduation rates and limited career awareness among students from hardworking families in a rural setting, the district made a significant investment. This initiative focused on increasing accessibility to counselors, providing mental health support, college and career guidance, and in-classroom counseling instruction. The strategic shift led to notable improvements in student well-being, engagement, and a substantial increase in graduation rates.

The meeting agenda included discussions and actions on various operational areas. New business items focused on the presentation of findings and recommended actions from the Business and Human Resources Operations and Efficiency Study, an update on school counseling services, the mid-year progress report for the Local Control & Accountability Plan (LCAP), and ratification of audit findings and recommendations. The Board also planned to take action on Budget Development Guidelines for 2026-2027, resolution regarding the increased federal micro-purchase threshold, updates on school facilities concerning portable classrooms replacement, annual updates to comprehensive school safety plans, and initial proposals for contract negotiations with the Livingston Elementary Teachers Association (LETA). Furthermore, the Board was set to adopt a new board policy on responding to immigration enforcement and take action on a resolution honoring Black History Month, as well as vote in the CSBA Delegate Assembly Election.

The Regular Board Meeting agenda included discussions and potential actions on several important items. The Closed Session focused on Conference with Legal Counsel regarding two existing litigation cases (OAH Case Nos. 2025090674 and 2025091029), Conference with Real Property Negotiators concerning the Winton Parkway Extension, and Conference with Labor Negotiator regarding LETA and CSEA Chapters. In Open Session, after public comments, the Board addressed New Business items, including the presentation and requested approval of the 2024-2025 External Audit Report. Other new business involved staff presentation on districtwide literacy improvements, ratification of the MCOE After School Education & Safety (ASES) Grant Program renewal at the elementary and middle school levels, consideration of the 2026-2027 School Calendar and the 2026-2027 Budget Development Calendar, ratification of the CEA exemption application for the 2025-26 fiscal year, and adoption of a resolution in support of National School Counseling Week. The Consent Agenda included personnel matters, purchase orders, the Williams Quarterly Report, and School Accountability Report Cards.