Lori Anderson

The meeting reconvened following a closed session where information on anticipated litigation, labor negotiations, and the superintendent's performance evaluation was received, with no actions taken. The agenda was subsequently adopted. A moment of silence was observed to honor the life and service of Tamila Sullivan, who dedicated over 17 years to the district, particularly supporting death and hard of hearing programs. Key discussion items included receiving reports from various groups, noting no donations, and no reports from certain associations or advisory committees due to student trustees' absence. Community members voiced concerns regarding workplace hostility, denial of communication access by contracted interpreters, and requested formal review of access failures, review/change of interpreter services, and non-retaliation protections, citing ADA and other regulations. Additionally, information was presented regarding a proposal for a job classification and compensation exploration study to be conducted by Educational Management Solutions (EMS), aiming to address outdated job descriptions, internal pay inequities, and improve recruitment/retention. The board also reviewed the second quarterly report concerning the Williams settlement uniform complaints.

The meeting, part 1 of 2, commenced with a roll call establishing a quorum. The board then announced the opening of public comment for items listed on the closed session agenda only. Discussions within the closed session were scheduled to include recommendations for student readmittance and expulsion, as well as an update on the superintendent's goal as part of his ongoing public employee performance evaluation. The board subsequently recessed into closed session.

The meeting included a report of actions taken in closed session regarding anticipated litigation, labor negotiations, and the superintendent's performance evaluation, though no actions were taken in open session. The board held a moment of silence to honor the life and service of Tamila Sullivan, an interpreter and advocate for deaf and hard of hearing programs since 2008. Community members spoke regarding workplace hostility, denial of access to interpretation services by contracted interpreters, and requested the district review and change its interpreter services contract. The board also heard an informational presentation regarding a proposal for a job classification and compensation exploration study to be conducted by Educational Management Solutions (EMS) to address inconsistent job descriptions, pay inequities, and recruitment/retention issues. The next steps for this study are slated for the following month for consideration. A quarterly report on the Williams settlement of uniform complaints was also presented.

The Town Hall meeting, presented by the Superintendent, focused on Phase Two of closure and consolidation efforts, following up on Phase One which involved closing two schools and implementing budget reductions. The discussion centered on examining seven specific schools for potential closure or consolidation to address significant budget deficits projected for the 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 school years, totaling $32 million needed via revenue generation or budget reductions. Key factors influencing enrollment decline, such as cost of living, family choice (including charter schools), and district performance, were reviewed. The superintendent emphasized data-driven decision-making, citing the implementation of Mandarin language programs as a response to data showing student transfers. Efforts to control expenditures, optimize resources, and generate revenue through the potential sale or lease of surplus property, such as the former Loma Vista site, were also highlighted. The Board will make final decisions affecting the 2026-2027 school year in December.

The Vallejo City Unified School District's document, titled 'What Makes VCUSD Special,' outlines its strategic initiatives and unique offerings for the 2024-2025 academic year. Key programs include the expansion of Universal Transitional Kindergarten, a robust Expanded Learning Program, and diverse professional academies in fields such as law, engineering, and health. The district also emphasizes alternative education pathways, comprehensive adult education, socio-emotional learning support, outdoor education, bilingual literacy, arts education, and college readiness programs, all designed to foster student success and community engagement.