Leslie Benjamin

The board discussed several items in closed session, including personnel matters, collective bargaining, and real property negotiations. The meeting featured various announcements from the student trustee regarding upcoming student events and fundraising efforts, as well as reports from board members on facilities bond projects, including school site visits and the evaluation of playground and shade structure installations. A new special education coordinator was introduced. Finally, the board received a presentation on the 'Building Thinking Classrooms' initiative being implemented at L. Sutton Elementary School, which aims to improve students' oral language production and critical thinking skills in mathematics.

The Board of Trustees met to address several agenda items including the approval of a litigation settlement agreement related to a special education claim and updates on collective bargaining negotiations. The meeting featured various announcements, including school athletic accomplishments such as the San Marin High School boys varsity basketball state championship, upcoming school events, campus project updates, and successful evacuation drill reports. Additionally, the district introduced new personnel, including a transportation manager and a school principal, and discussed curriculum adoption efforts as well as district-wide maintenance and pool usability initiatives.

The board meeting addressed various administrative and district matters, including the approval of a settlement agreement regarding a special education claim and the reassignment of a permanent certificated administrator. Labor negotiation updates were provided concerning both the teachers' federation and the school employees' association. The meeting featured several student and staff announcements, including school events, sports updates, and equity initiatives. Additionally, discussions were held regarding potential parcel tax measures, the 'Raise the Base' state-level advocacy campaign, and the introduction of a new director of human resources. The board also addressed concerns regarding enrollment policies and the inclusion of students with IEPs in school programming, acknowledging the need for system improvements.

The meeting focused on the potential closure of an elementary school within the district, specifically addressing the 7-11 Committee process and criteria. Key discussion topics included demographic projections indicating a long-term decline in student enrollment, fiscal responsibility, and the optimal use of district property. The presentation detailed the site-specific data for Lynwood Elementary School, the reasoning behind the formation of the 7-11 Committee, and potential implications for specialized programs, such as the Dual Immersion program, preschool, and aftercare services. The meeting also featured a 'thought exchange' session to gather community feedback and concerns.

The committee discussed project budget increases, clarifying how project totals, annual expenditures, and board-approved allocations are represented in the accounting system. The meeting covered the status of Measure G Bond funds, staff salary allocations, and the role of consultants in managing state reimbursements. Additionally, the committee reviewed audit reports from 2022 to 2025, noting no findings and discussing the transition to a new auditing firm. Finally, there was a review of the 2022 Measure G report with plans to develop a consolidated version covering the three most recent years.