Karla Bertran

The meeting commenced with public comments concerning staff reductions and honoring School Social Workers. A Closed Session was held to discuss negotiations, personnel matters, and anticipated litigation, reconvening into Open Session afterward. Key agenda items included the approval of the main agenda, presentations on the School Spotlight (Mark Twain Elementary), Measure CL and AI Updates, and the Superintendent's Report. Consent Items covered various financial approvals, including Purchase Orders totaling $398,182.57 and Chromebook purchases. SELPA consent items also received approval. Superintendent's Action Items involved several resolutions, including one concerning the issuance and sale of General Obligation Bonds and Refunding Bonds, second readings of multiple Board Policies and Administrative Regulations related to recruitment and criminal record checks, approval of Comprehensive School Safety Plans, and an award of contract to Ramsa Construction Inc. Board member comments recognized various achievements, including acknowledging 'Read Across America' week, recognizing Social Workers, and celebrating the district receiving recognition as a 2026 Model SARB recipient.

The discussion focused on Measure CL financials, detailing 2025-2026 expenditures and encumbrances totaling $1,041,000 across categories like Student Devices, Network Hardware/Software, and Professional Development. Accomplishments highlighted included providing student devices (1:1 access for grades 4-8, classroom carts for TK-3rd) and support materials (e.g., Strawbees, Dash Robots). Significant network and service upgrades were noted, such as replacing core network switching and upgrading VOIP systems, alongside completing 2200 support tickets. The AI Task Force provided an update on its goals, which included updating digital citizenship lessons, piloting various AI tools, and developing AI guidelines. Future plans for the AI Task Force include attending the 2026 CUE Conference and initiating family learning opportunities.

The meeting featured a School Feature presentation by F. D. Roosevelt Elementary School staff and students, highlighting their operational focus areas. Key discussion points revolved around District Goal 01: Increase Academic Achievement, demonstrated through data from Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), iReady diagnostics in Reading, Math, and Vocabulary, and data-driven instruction strategies like small group instruction and targeted intervention. Other district goals covered included ensuring equity and access (District Goal 02) via programs like the ELPAC Club and Community Schools initiatives; improving parent and student engagement (District Goal 03) through activities like Parent Workshops and the ROAR initiative; and providing 21st Century Learning Environments (District Goal 04), noting progress on the MakerSpace and the 21st Century Learning Grant.

The Superintendent's Report covered several key areas. In the Superintendent's Office updates, coverage of Billy Mitchell's TK class on Spectrum News, recognition of National School Counselors Week, and a celebration of 100 Days of School at FDR were mentioned. The Business section detailed discussions on the Second Interim Financials, with the presentation scheduled for March 19, and plans to rebid the Central Kitchen HVAC project due to budget overruns, aiming for a late June start. A Board resolution for the refinance of existing bonds, potentially saving taxpayers approximately $1 million, will be presented on March 5. Educational Services provided an update on the Elementary Social Studies Adoption, highlighting strong alignment with Benchmark Adelante and positive feedback on materials. There was also information regarding the adjustment of school-issued Chromebook access hours implemented on January 26 to promote healthy digital habits. Finally, updates were provided on the GATE & High Achievers Parent Support Group meeting, celebrations planned for Black History Month, and details concerning orientation sessions and enrollment for prospective families.

The meeting commenced with a call to order and a consensus to move the Flag Salute earlier to accommodate a religious holiday observance. Public comments addressed staffing cut projections. The Board convened in Closed Session to discuss negotiations and litigation matters before reconvening in Open Session. The agenda was approved as amended, with items 9.06 and 9.07 tabled until the subsequent meeting, and item 9.09 revised to include updated ballot information. Key discussions included a presentation on the School Spotlight (Franklin D. Roosevelt) and the Parent Empowerment Program. Correspondence from the LACOE regarding fiscal year results was approved and filed. The Board conducted first readings for several new Board Policies and Administrative Regulations concerning recruitment, selection, and criminal record checks. Consent items approved various matters, including donations, conference attendance for staff, petty cash reimbursement, and purchase orders totaling over $3.2 million. Action items also included approving SELPA purchase orders and resolutions related to designating an agent for Cal-OES forms, ordering a general obligation bond election, and excusing an absence. Board members provided comments regarding legislative registration, cultural celebrations, and completing evaluations.