Karen Cortez

The district underwent a comprehensive process to transition from at-large elections to by-trustee area elections. This involved conducting multiple study sessions to review the process, hosting various public hearings to solicit community input on trustee area composition and map scenarios, and holding community forums to review draft maps prepared by a demographer. The Board evaluated multiple map plans based on population deviation and boundary considerations before ultimately selecting and approving a final map plan. Additionally, the Board conducted public hearings and approved a resolution regarding the sequencing of elections for the established trustee areas.

The committee meeting addressed the approval of Measure U performance and financial audits for the 2019-20 fiscal year, the review of the annual report, and the evaluation of the current expenditure report. Additionally, the committee discussed and reviewed updates regarding Phase I and Phase II construction projects.

This document outlines a plan to address significant repairs, updates, and safety improvements for school facilities. The plan has three primary goals: modernizing and repairing existing facilities, managing student growth, and ensuring equitable facilities across all high schools. It details the necessity of local funding through Measure U to provide quality education in modern and secure environments. Measure U, approved for the November 8, 2016 ballot, aims to repair and replace infrastructure, upgrade classrooms and labs, enhance security systems, ensure equitable art and music facilities, create career technology rooms, replace old portable classrooms, construct additional facilities to alleviate overcrowding, and improve sports facilities.

The meeting featured an overview of the roles and responsibilities of the Citizens' Oversight Committee provided by legal counsel. The committee received a report on the bond program, which included details on the first bond issuance, project plans and phases, and the selection of an architect and construction management firm. Organizational matters were addressed, including the election of a committee chair and vice chair, as well as the determination of the process for future minute preparation. The meeting concluded with the scheduling of future meeting dates.

The committee meeting included a presentation on the district's English Language Proficiency Assessments for California (ELPAC) results. Additionally, a guest speaker from the Los Medanos College English as a Second Language (ESL) program provided information on educational offerings available to students and parents and demonstrated how to navigate the college's website to access this information.